LDL particles may be a more accurate measure of subclinical atherosclerosis than LDL cholesterol

LipoScience, Inc., a highly innovative diagnostic company that is advancing patient care by developing high value proprietary blood tests using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, today announced presentations of two clinical studies "from the podium" at the 60th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology. These two presentations discuss the value of LDL particle measurements, including one which suggests LDL particles may be a more accurate measure of subclinical atherosclerosis than LDL cholesterol.

“The carotid arteries supply oxygenated blood to the part of the brain where thinking, speech, personality, sensory and motor functions reside. Over time, the buildup of plaque may narrow the carotid arteries, which may decrease blood flow to the brain and may increase the risk of a stroke”

Data from the first presentation demonstrate that in retired professional football players, higher LDL particle numbers may be more strongly linked to carotid artery plaque (CAP) than LDL cholesterol. After screening 1,005 retired players, researchers evaluated the relationship of traditional and specialized lipid testing with observed CAPs that were present in 45 percent of this population. The results indicated that LDL particles and non-HDL cholesterol were most strongly associated with CAPs. Non-HDL cholesterol levels are derived as total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol.

"The carotid arteries supply oxygenated blood to the part of the brain where thinking, speech, personality, sensory and motor functions reside. Over time, the buildup of plaque may narrow the carotid arteries, which may decrease blood flow to the brain and may increase the risk of a stroke," said Arthur J. Roberts, M.D., an investigator in the study and Founder and chairman of The Living Heart Foundation, which provides cardiovascular screenings to retired professional football players. "These results suggest that detection of elevated lipoprotein particles may lead physicians to also seek the presence and extent of associated CAP by ultrasonography. Proactive treatment plans might minimize associated clinical events."

Data from the second presentation suggest that despite achieving very low levels of LDL cholesterol, type 2 diabetics may retain considerable residual coronary heart disease risk due to elevated LDL particle levels. Researchers evaluated lipid testing on 1,970 type 2 diabetics with an LDL cholesterol level of less than 50 mg/dL (any number below 100 mg/dL is considered normal) and observed that 59 percent of these patients had LDL particle levels above 700 nmol/L.

"Many patients with diabetes have relatively normal levels of LDL cholesterol, however it would be a mistake to categorize them as free of risk," said Hector Malave, M.D., a practicing cardiologist in Atlanta and investigator in this study. "With a growing number of clinical studies suggesting LDL particles may be a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk than cholesterol, the medical community should strongly consider integrating LDL particle management into clinical practice."

LDL particle levels in both studies were measured using LipoScience's NMR LipoProfile^® test, a laboratory test that utilizes nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to measure LDL and other lipoprotein particles. LDL particle information can help clinicians personalize and refine LDL management decisions, particularly to minimize residual risk in patients with low LDL cholesterol levels.