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These studies suggest that non-HDL cholesterol levels vary by age, sex, ethnicity, and other factors, and are associated with cardiovascular risk and mortality.
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Non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is calculated by subtracting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) from total cholesterol. It includes all atherogenic lipoproteins, making it a comprehensive marker for cardiovascular risk assessment, especially in individuals with high triglyceride levels .
Research indicates that non-HDL-C levels vary significantly by age and sex. For instance, in Japanese children, the mean non-HDL-C level was found to be 105.7 mg/dL, with boys averaging 103.0 mg/dL and girls 108.2 mg/dL. The levels also showed a decreasing trend with age in boys but remained relatively stable in girls. Similarly, the Nordic Reference Interval Project (NORIP) established age- and sex-specific reference intervals, highlighting the necessity of tailored reference values for accurate risk assessment.
The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) provided comprehensive data on non-HDL-C levels across different demographics in the U.S. population. It was observed that non-HDL-C levels were generally lower in women compared to men and varied significantly with age, ethnicity, and education level. Additionally, the Bogalusa Heart Study reported that non-HDL-C levels were higher in girls than boys and were positively associated with body fatness and triglycerides.
Non-HDL-C is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL-C, particularly in individuals with high triglyceride levels. Studies have shown that non-HDL-C levels are strongly associated with long-term mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD). For example, in the NIPPON DATA 90 study, higher non-HDL-C levels were linked to increased mortality from coronary heart disease but not from stroke. A meta-analysis further confirmed that elevated non-HDL-C levels significantly increase the risk of mortality in CHD patients.
Current guidelines suggest non-HDL-C cutpoints that are 30 mg/dL higher than LDL-C cutpoints. However, research indicates that these cutpoints may need to be lowered to better match LDL-C percentiles, especially in high-risk patients with elevated triglyceride levels. This adjustment could lead to substantial reclassification of patients into higher treatment categories, potentially improving risk assessment and management.
A global analysis revealed that non-HDL-C levels have shifted geographically over the past few decades. While levels have decreased in high-income Western countries, they have increased in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. This shift underscores the need for global public health strategies to address rising non-HDL-C levels and associated cardiovascular risks.
Non-HDL cholesterol is a crucial marker for cardiovascular risk assessment, with significant variations across age, sex, and population groups. Understanding these variations and adjusting clinical guidelines accordingly can enhance the prediction and management of cardiovascular diseases. As global trends in non-HDL-C levels continue to evolve, ongoing research and public health initiatives will be essential in mitigating associated health risks.
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