Elevated Remnant Cholesterol Reclassifies Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease and Myocardial Infarction

Triglyceride Levels, Alirocumab Treatment, and Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether clinical benefit of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors is associated with baseline or on-treatment triglyceride concentrations.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to examine relations between triglyceride levels and the effect of alirocumab vs placebo on cardiovascular outcomes using prespecified and post hoc analyses of the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES (Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With Alirocumab) trial.

METHODS

Patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n = 18,924) and elevated atherogenic lipoproteins despite optimized statin therapy were randomized to alirocumab 75 to 150 mg or matching placebo every 2 weeks subcutaneously. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were examined in relation to continuous or dichotomous triglyceride concentrations.

RESULTS

Median baseline triglyceride concentration was 129 mg/dL. In both treatment groups, a 10-mg/dL higher baseline concentration was associated with an adjusted MACE HR of 1.008 (95% CI: 1.003-1.013; P < 0.005). Baseline triglycerides ≥150 vs <150 mg/dL were associated with a HR of 1.184 (95% CI: 1.080-1.297; P < 0.005). Versus placebo, alirocumab reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from baseline (average, 54.7%) and reduced MACE (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.78-0.93). At month 4, triglyceride levels were reduced from baseline by median 17.7 mg/dL (P < 0.001) and 0.9 mg/dL (P = NS) with alirocumab and placebo, respectively. A 10-mg/dL decline from baseline in triglycerides was associated with lower subsequent risk of MACE with placebo (HR: 0.988; 95% CI: 0.982-0.995; P < 0.005) but not with alirocumab (HR: 0.999; 95% CI: 0.987-1.010; P = 0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with recent ACS on optimized statin therapy, baseline triglycerides was associated with cardiovascular risk. However, the reduction in triglycerides with alirocumab did not contribute to its clinical benefit. (ODYSSEY Outcomes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With Alirocumab; NCT01663402).

The role of remnant cholesterol in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

AIMS

Remnant cholesterol (RC) is the cholesterol content within triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. It promotes atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease beyond LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). The prognostic role of RC in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unknown. We aimed to estimate RC-related risk beyond LDL-C in patients with STEMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 6602 consecutive patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 1999 to 2016 were included. Remnant cholesterol was calculated as total cholesterol minus LDL-C minus HDL cholesterol. Adjusted Cox models were used to estimate the association between continuous RC levels and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, ischaemic stroke, and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) at long-term (median follow-up of 6.0 years). Besides, discordance analyses were applied to examine the risk of the discordantly high RC (RC percentile rank minus LDL-C percentile rank > 10 units) compared with the discordantly low RC (LDL-C percentile rank minus RC percentile rank > 10 units). The concordance was defined as the percentile rank difference between RC and LDL-C ≤ 10 units. The median age of patients was 63 years [interquartile range (IQR) 54-72] and 74.8% were men. There were 2441, 1651, and 2510 patients in the discordantly low RC group, concordant group, and discordantly high RC group, respectively. All outcomes in the discordantly high RC group were higher than the other groups, and the event rate of all-cause mortality in this group was 31.87%. In the unadjusted analysis, the discordantly high RC was associated with increased all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63-2.04] and increased cardiovascular death (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.55-2.06) compared with the discordantly low RC. In an adjusted model, RC was associated with higher all-cause mortality (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.22). The discordantly high RC was associated with increased all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.37-1.75) and increased cardiovascular death (adjusted HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.25-1.72) compared with the discordantly low RC. There were no associations between RC and ischaemic stroke or recurrent MI.

CONCLUSION

In patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI, elevated RC levels beyond LDL-C and discordantly high RC were independently associated with increased all-cause mortality.

Using XGBoost for Predicting In-Stent Restenosis Post-DES Implantation: Role of Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio and Residual Cholesterol

Objective

This study aims to investigate their correlation and predictive utility for in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We collected medical records of 668 patients who underwent PCI treatment from January 2022 to December 2022. Based on follow-up results (ISR defined as luminal narrowing ≥ 50% on angiography), all participants were divided into ISR and non-ISR groups. The XGBoost machine learning (ML) model was employed to identify the optimal predictive variables from a set of 31 variables. Discriminatory ability was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), while calibration and performance of the prediction models were assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test and calibration plots. Clinical utility of each model was evaluated using decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

In the XGBoost importance ranking of predictive factors, LMR and RC ranked first and fourth, respectively. The AUC of the entire XGBoost ML model was 0.8098, whereas the model using traditional stepwise backward regression, comprising five predictive factors, had an AUC of 0.706. The XGBoost model showed superior predictive performance with a higher AUC, indicating better discrimination and predictive accuracy for ISR compared to traditional methods.

Conclusion

LMR and RC are identified as cost-effective and reliable biomarkers for predicting ISR risk in ACS patients following drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. LMR and RC represent cost-effective and reliable biomarkers for predicting ISR risk in ACS patients following drug-eluting stent implantation. Enhances the accuracy and clinical utility of ISR prediction models, offering clinicians a robust tool for risk stratification and personalized patient management.

Insulin resistance potentiates the effect of remnant cholesterol on cardiovascular mortality in individuals without diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Remnant cholesterol (RC) and insulin resistance (IR) have been independently associated with cardiovascular risk. Here, we evaluated the role of IR and RC on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

METHODS

We conducted an analysis of 16,113 individuals ≥20 years without diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III/IV). RC levels were calculated using total cholesterol, non-HDL-c, and LDL-c; IR was defined as HOMA2-IR≥2.5 and CVD mortality as a composite of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationship between HOMA2-IR and RC and Cox regression models to assess their joint role in CVD mortality. Causally ordered mediation models were used to explore the mediating role of IR in RC-associated CVD mortality.

RESULTS

We identified an association between higher HOMA2-IR and higher RC levels. The effect of IR on CVD mortality was predominant (HR 1.32, 95%CI 1.18-1.48) and decreased at older ages (HR 0.934, 95%CI 0.918-0.959) compared to RC (HR 0.983, 95%CI 0.952-1.014). Higher risk of CVD mortality was observed in individuals with IR but normal RC (HR 1.37, 95%CI 1.25-1.50) and subjects with IR and high RC (HR 1.24, 95%CI 1.13-1.37), but not in subjects without IR but high RC. In mediation models, HOMA2-IR accounted for 78.2% (95%CI 28.11-98.89) of the effect of RC levels on CVD mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that RC potentiates the risk of CVD mortality through its effect on whole-body insulin sensitivity, particularly among younger individuals.

Biosynthesis and Metabolism of ApoB-Containing Lipoproteins

Recent advances in human genetics, together with a substantial body of epidemiological, preclinical and clinical trial evidence, strongly support a causal relationship between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the secretion and metabolism of TRLs have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. This knowledge underscores the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms and regulation of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and chylomicron biogenesis. Fortunately, there has been a resurgence of interest in the intracellular assembly, trafficking, degradation, and secretion of VLDL, leading to many ground-breaking molecular insights. Furthermore, the identification of molecular control mechanisms related to triglyceride metabolism has greatly advanced our understanding of the complex metabolism of TRLs. In this review, we explore recent advances in the assembly, secretion, and metabolism of TRLs. We also discuss available treatment strategies for hypertriglyceridemia.

Remnant cholesterol and the risk of diabetic nephropathy progression to end-stage kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a longitudinal cohort study

AIM

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Remnant cholesterol has been investigated as a predictor for the progression of DN in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients, as well as the incidence of DN in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal relationship between baseline remnant cholesterol and kidney outcomes using a Chinese T2DM with biopsy-confirmed DN cohort.

METHODS

We included 334 patients with T2DM and biopsy-confirmed DN during 2010-2019 West China Hospital T2DM-DN cohort. Remnant cholesterol was defined by Martin-Hopkins equation. Patients were divided into four groups based on the median (IQR) remnant cholesterol concentration at the time of renal biopsy. The kidney outcome was defined as ESKD, which was defined as the need for chronic kidney replacement therapy or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. The relationship between remnant cholesterol and kidney outcome was analyzed using the Kaplan‒Meier method and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age was 51.1 years, and 235 (70%) were men. During follow-up, a total of 121 (36.2%) patients reached ESKD. The Kaplan‒Meier analysis showed that patients in the highest quartile (quartile 4) group had lower cumulative renal survival (log-rank test, p = 0.033) and shorter median renal survival time [34.0 (26.4-41.6) vs. 55.0 (29.8-80.2) months] than patients in the lowest quartile (quartile 1) group. By univariate analysis, the high remnant cholesterol group was associated with a higher risk of progression to ESKD. Moreover, the risk of progression to ESKD in the highest quartile was still 2.857-fold (95% CI 1.305-6.257, p = 0.009) higher than that in the lowest quartile, and one-SD increase of remnant cholesterol was associated with a higher risk (HR = 1.424; 95% CI 1.075-1.886, p = 0.014) of progression to ESKD, after adjusted for confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

High remnant cholesterol is independently associated with a higher risk of ESKD in patients with T2DM-DN, and it may be a new noninvasive marker of ESKD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Calculated remnant cholesterol has the advantages of being economical and clinically accessible. Moreover, to our knowledge, there are no longitudinal cohort studies for investigating the risk of progression of T2DM-DN to ESKD. In our study, higher remnant cholesterol was associated with a higher risk of ESKD in patients with T2DM-DN, and it may be a new noninvasive predictor of ESKD.

It is time to address the contribution of cholesterol in all apoB-containing lipoproteins to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

On average, LDL particles are the most populous lipoprotein in serum under fasting conditions. For many reasons, it has been the primary target of lipid-lowering guidelines around the world. In the past 30 years, we have witnessed remarkable changes in each iteration of dyslipidaemia guidelines, with LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) targets becoming lower and lower among patients at high and very high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The world over, goal attainment rates are low, and hence, ASCVD prevalence remains unacceptably high. Inadequate LDL-C lowering is a major issue in contemporary cardiovascular (CV) medicine. Another issue that vexes even the most astute clinician is that of 'residual risk', meaning the excess risk that remains even after LDL-C is appropriately reduced. In recent years, an important new component of residual risk has emerged: triglyceride-enriched lipoproteins or remnant lipoproteins. These precursors to LDL particles can assume outsized importance among patients with derangements in triglyceride metabolism (e.g. genetic variants, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus) and may be more atherogenic than LDL species. Consequently, to reduce total risk for acute CV events, the time has come to include the entire spectrum of apoB-containing lipoproteins in approaches to both risk evaluation and treatment.

Association of serum concentrations of remnant cholesterol with incident cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A real-world data from 2001 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Remnant cholesterol (RC) promotes cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population, but its role among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients remains unknown. We aimed to investigate circulating RC levels associated with incident CVD among Chinese patients with RA.

METHODS

A total of 1018 RA patients free of baseline CVD were included and followed up in a prospective RA CVD cohort from 2001 to 2022. Fasting serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured, while RC and Non-HDL-C levels were calculated. The primary exposure was RC levels. A LASSO Cox model was used to select covariates. The Fine-Gray competing risk model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

RA patients had a mean age of 53.9 years, and 802 (78.8%) were females. After a median follow-up of 5.54 years, 131 patients developed CVD with an incidence rate of 21.6 per 1000 person-years. Continuous and quartile-categorized RC levels were associated with incident CVD before and after multivariate adjustment and Bonferroni correction (all P < 0.001). There were no robust associations of other lipids with incident CVD. The fully adjusted HRs for RC were 2.30 (95% CI 1.58-3.35) per 1 mmol/L increase, and 2.40 (1.36-4.25) and 2.81 (1.60-4.94) for patients in the 3rd and 4th versus the 1st quartile, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating RC levels are positively associated with incident CVD among Chinese RA patients independent of known risk factors, implying its clinically preferable use for improving the stratification of CVD risk in RA patients.

The residual risk of inflammation and remnant cholesterol in acute coronary syndrome patients on statin treatment undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Residual risk assessment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients after sufficient medical management remains challenging. The usefulness of measuring high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and remnant cholesterol (RC) in assessing the level of residual inflammation risk (RIR) and residual cholesterol risk (RCR) for risk stratification in these patients needs to be evaluated.

METHODS

Patients admitted for ACS on statin treatment who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between March 2016 and March 2019 were enrolled in the analysis. The included patients were stratified based on the levels of hsCRP and RC during hospitalization. The primary outcome was ischemic events at 12 months, defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The secondary outcomes included 12-month all-cause death and cardiac death.

RESULTS

Among the 5778 patients, the median hsCRP concentration was 2.60 mg/L and the median RC concentration was 24.98 mg/dL. The RIR was significantly associated with ischemic events (highest hsCRP tertile vs. lowest hsCRP tertile, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.30, P = 0.046), cardiac death (aHR: 1.77, 95% CI:1.02-3.07, P = 0.0418) and all-cause death (aHR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.24-3.24, P = 0.0048). The RCR was also significantly associated with these outcomes, with corresponding values for the highest tertile of RC were 1.81 (1.21-2.73, P = 0.0043), 2.76 (1.57-4.86, P = 0.0004), and 1.72 (1.09-2.73, P = 0.0208), respectively. The risks of ischemic events (aHR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.75-4.49, P < 0.0001), cardiac death (aHR: 4.10, 95% CI: 2.18-7.70, P < 0.0001), and all-cause death (aHR: 3.00, 95% CI, 1.73-5.19, P < 0.0001) were significantly greater in patients with both RIR and RCR (highest hsCRP and RC tertile) than in patients with neither RIR nor RCR (lowest hsCRP and RC tertile). Notably, the RIR and RCR was associated with an increased risk of ischemic events especially in patients with adequate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control (LDL-C < 70 mg/dl) (Pinteraction=0.04). Furthermore, the RIR and RCR provide more accurate evaluations of risk in addition to the GRACE score in these patients [areas under the curve (AUC) for ischemic events: 0.64 vs. 0.66, P = 0.003].

CONCLUSION

Among ACS patients receiving contemporary statin treatment who underwent PCI, high risks of both residual inflammation and cholesterol, as assessed by hsCRP and RC, were strongly associated with increased risks of ischemic events, cardiac death, and all-cause death.

Discordance between Remnant Cholesterol and Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Predicts Cardiovascular Disease: the Kailuan Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that remnant cholesterol (RC) was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study aim to identify the association of RC and the discordance between RC and lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with CVD.

METHODS

Data was obtained from the Kailuan study. RC was calculated as the non high-density lipoprotein cholesterol minus LDL-C. Discordant RC and LDL-C were defined by percentile difference and clinical cutoff points. Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore the association of RC and the discordance between RC and LDL-C with CVD.

RESULTS

Total of 96,769 participants were inclued, with the median age of 51.61 years, 79.56% of male. There was a significant association between RC levels and the risk of CVD, with an HR of 1.10 (95% CI, 1.08-1.13) in the continuous analysis. The discordantly high RC group had a significant increase in CVD, MI, and stroke risk, with HRs of 1.18 (95%CI, 1.10-1.26), 1.23 (1.06-1.43), and 1.15 (1.07-1.24), respectively. Compared to the group with low LDL-C and low RC, the group with low LDL-C and high RC had significantly higher incidences of CVD (HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.26-1.40]), MI (HR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.41-1.80]), and stroke (HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.20-1.35]).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated levels of RC and discordantly high RC with LDL-C both were associated with the risk of CVD, MI, and stroke. These findings demonstrate the clinical significance of identifying residual risk related to RC.

Cumulative remnant cholesterol burden increases the risk of cardiovascular disease among young adults

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that remnant cholesterol (RC) was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) among middle-aged or older adults. However, lack of evidence on long-term exposures to RC and their role in CVD risk among young adults. We thus aimed to explore the association between cumulative RC burden and CVD in young adults.

METHODS

We enrolled participants younger than 45 years free of CVD history in the Kailuan Study who completed the first three health examinations from 2006 to 2010. Cumulative RC burden included cumulative RC burden score, time-weighted cumulative RC, exposure duration of high RC, and time course of RC accumulation. The outcome was the incidence of CVD. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between cumulative RC burden and CVD risk.

RESULTS

A total of 15,219 participants were included (73.70% male, median age 39.13 years). During a median follow-up duration of 8.71 years (interquartile range: 8.4-9.15 years), 502 individuals developed CVD. After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, highest risk of CVD was observed in participants with the highest cumulative RC burden score (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.29-2.12), the highest quartile time-weighted cumulative RC (HR,1.50; 95% CI, 1.15-1.96), the longest exposure duration of high RC (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21-2.42), and those with cumulative RC burden and positive slope (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.35-2.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulative RC burden increased the risk of CVD among young adults, suggesting that maintaining low RC levels throughout young adulthood may minimize CVD risk.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Remnant cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apoB absolute mass changes explain results of the PROMINENT trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The PROMINENT trial, a cardiovascular outcome trial of the triglyceride- and remnant cholesterol-lowering agent pemafibrate, has shown neutral results despite reduction in plasma triglycerides and remnant cholesterol. We tested the hypothesis that absolute mass changes in remnant cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B explain the results of the PROMINENT trial.

METHODS

Among 108,431 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study (CGPS), those who met the key inclusion criteria of the PROMINENT trial were analyzed to mimic the trial design. Endpoint atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and coronary revascularization as defined in PROMINENT.

RESULTS

In the PROMINENT trial, treatment with pemafibrate resulted in -7 mg/dL (-0.18 mmol/L; -18 %) change in remnant cholesterol, +10 mg/dL (+0.26 mmol/L; +12 %) LDL cholesterol, and +5 mg/dL (+0.05 g/L; +5 %) apolipoprotein B. In the CGPS mimicking PROMINENT, the estimated hazard ratios for ASCVD were 0.97 (95 % confidence interval: 0.94-0.99) for a -7 mg/dL (-0.18 mmol/L) change in remnant cholesterol, 1.04 (1.01-1.07) for a +10 mg/dL (+0.26 mmol/L) change in LDL cholesterol, and 1.02 (1.01-1.03) for a +5 mg/dL (+0.05 g/L) change in apolipoprotein B. When combining absolute changes in remnant cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B, the estimated hazard ratio for ASCVD was 1.05 (0.96-1.14) in the CGPS mimicking PROMINENT compared to 1.03 (0.91-1.15) in the PROMINENT trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Absolute mass changes in remnant cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B can explain results of the PROMINENT trial. The 3 mg/dL (0.08 mmol/L) higher total atherogenic cholesterol together with 5 mg/dL (0.05 g/L) higher apolipoprotein B seem to explain the trend toward more ASCVD in the pemafibrate arm.

Distribution of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and their remnants and their contribution to cardiovascular risk in the Mexican population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In recent years, scientific interest in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) and remnant cholesterol has increased, focusing on the evidence that these lipoproteins are a causal factor for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Furthermore, a high remnant concentration (>38 mg/dL) has been associated with several non-cardiovascular risks. We aimed in this study to describe the percentile distribution of remnant cholesterol. Additionally, we evaluated the association between remnant cholesterol plasma concentration and epidemiologically relevant cardio-metabolic outcomes such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and ASCVD.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 9,591 adults from the National Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT) 2018 with fasting blood samples and complete medical history questionnaires. We built multivariate models to evaluate the association between chronic diseases and blood remnant concentration. To compare our 2018-sub-sample against a population reference, we used the NHANES (2005-2014) publicly available datasets by ethnicity.

RESULTS

Remnants were independently associated with cardiovascular risk, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. For all outcomes, the blood remnant concentration was a stronger predictor than LDL. At all deciles, the blood remnant concentration was higher in ENSANUT-2018.

CONCLUSIONS

A remnant blood concentration above 38 mg/dL was highly prevalent among Mexicans. Remnants were significantly associated with a higher risk of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular risk. This association occurred independently of other lipid markers.

Bleeding Risk in Patients Receiving Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

There is a potential concern about increased bleeding risk in patients receiving omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The aims of this study-level meta-analysis were to determine the risk of bleeding and to assess whether this relationship is linked to the received dose of omega-3 PUFAs or the background use of antiplatelet treatment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Electronic databases were searched through May 2023 to identify randomized clinical trials of patients receiving omega-3 PUFAs. Overall bleeding events, including fatal and central nervous system events, were identified and compared with those of a control group. A total of 120 643 patients from 11 randomized clinical trials were included. There was no difference in the pooled meta-analytic events of bleeding among patients receiving omega-3 PUFAs and those in the control group (rate ratio [RR], 1.09 [95% CI, 0.91-1.31]; P=0.34). Likewise, the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke, intracranial bleeding, and gastrointestinal bleeding were similar. A prespecified analysis was performed in patients receiving high-dose purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which demonstrated a 50% increase in the relative risk of bleeding but only a modest increase in the absolute risk of bleeding (0.6%) when compared with placebo. Bleeding risk was associated with the dose of EPA (risk difference, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.05-0.43]; P=0.02) but not the background use of antiplatelet therapy (risk difference, -0.01 [95% CI, -0.02 to 0]; P=0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

Omega-3 PUFAs were not associated with increased bleeding risk. Patients receiving high-dose purified EPA may incur additional bleeding risk, although its clinical significance is very modest.

Elevated remnant cholesterol is a risk factor for acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVES

Remnant cholesterol (RC) is thought to be an important pathogenic risk factor for atherosclerosis, however, the relationship between RC and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is still unclear. This study aimed to determine whether fasting blood RC level is an independent risk factor for AIS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 650 patients with AIS and 598 healthy controls during the same time period. The association between RC and AIS was investigated using binary logistic regression, and the relationship between RC and AIS risk was demonstrated using Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS).

RESULTS

RC was significantly higher in the AIS group compared with control group, and was an independent risk factor for AIS when the covariates were not adjusted;After adjusting some covariates, RC was still an independent risk factor for AIS. The RCS analysis found the risk was non-linear: when RC concentration was less than 0.69 mol/L, the risk of AIS increased with the elevation of RC, and when RC concentration was more than or equal to 0.69 mol/L, the risk of AIS was insignificant with the elevation of RC. Correlation analysis revealed that RC was associated with diabetes and fasting glucose. Further analysis revealed that the incidence of AIS in diabetic patients increased significantly with the increase of RC, and RCS analysis revealed that the risk of AIS in diabetic patients increased with the increase of RC when RC was more than 1.15 mol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms RC as an independent risk factor for AIS, which highlights a distinct non-linear association between RC levels and AIS risk. These findings suggest the need for targeted AIS risk assessment strategies, especially in diabetic patients, and underscore the relevance of RC as a biomarker in AIS risk stratification.

Use of lipid ratios to predict vascular target organ damage in youth

BACKGROUND

Elevated lipid levels are risk factors for early atherosclerosis. Lipid ratios have emerged as potentially stronger predictors of adverse cardiovascular changes and atherogenic cholesterol. Risk stratification in youth with obesity or type 2 diabetes may be improved by using lipid ratios. We sought to determine if lipid ratios would identify abnormalities in arterial structure and stiffness in adolescents and young adults.

METHODS

A total of 762 youth aged 10-24 years had laboratory, anthropometric, blood pressure, and carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness data collected. Subjects were stratified into tertiles (low, mid, high) of lipid ratios and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Vascular outcomes by tertile were assessed by analyses of variance. General linear models were constructed for each lipid value and included demographics, risk factors, and vascular measures. Correlations between lipid markers, vascular measures, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and number were conducted.

RESULTS

There was a progressive increase in arterial thickness and stiffness across all three lipid ratios and non-HDL-C. The triglyceride to HDL-C (TG/HDL-C) ratio remained an independent predictor of arterial thickness and stiffness after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors. TG/HDL-C had the highest correlations with arterial stiffness and small, dense LDL.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial stiffness is increased in youth with high lipid ratios with TG/HDL-C being the most consistent marker of vascular changes. These data suggest that identification of high TG/HDL-C in these individuals may lead to earlier intervention to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Quality of Answers of Generative Large Language Models Versus Peer Users for Interpreting Laboratory Test Results for Lay Patients: Evaluation Study

BACKGROUND

Although patients have easy access to their electronic health records and laboratory test result data through patient portals, laboratory test results are often confusing and hard to understand. Many patients turn to web-based forums or question-and-answer (Q&A) sites to seek advice from their peers. The quality of answers from social Q&A sites on health-related questions varies significantly, and not all responses are accurate or reliable. Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT have opened a promising avenue for patients to have their questions answered.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the feasibility of using LLMs to generate relevant, accurate, helpful, and unharmful responses to laboratory test-related questions asked by patients and identify potential issues that can be mitigated using augmentation approaches.

METHODS

We collected laboratory test result-related Q&A data from Yahoo! Answers and selected 53 Q&A pairs for this study. Using the LangChain framework and ChatGPT web portal, we generated responses to the 53 questions from 5 LLMs: GPT-4, GPT-3.5, LLaMA 2, MedAlpaca, and ORCA_mini. We assessed the similarity of their answers using standard Q&A similarity-based evaluation metrics, including Recall-Oriented Understudy for Gisting Evaluation, Bilingual Evaluation Understudy, Metric for Evaluation of Translation With Explicit Ordering, and Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers Score. We used an LLM-based evaluator to judge whether a target model had higher quality in terms of relevance, correctness, helpfulness, and safety than the baseline model. We performed a manual evaluation with medical experts for all the responses to 7 selected questions on the same 4 aspects.

RESULTS

Regarding the similarity of the responses from 4 LLMs; the GPT-4 output was used as the reference answer, the responses from GPT-3.5 were the most similar, followed by those from LLaMA 2, ORCA_mini, and MedAlpaca. Human answers from Yahoo data were scored the lowest and, thus, as the least similar to GPT-4-generated answers. The results of the win rate and medical expert evaluation both showed that GPT-4's responses achieved better scores than all the other LLM responses and human responses on all 4 aspects (relevance, correctness, helpfulness, and safety). LLM responses occasionally also suffered from lack of interpretation in one's medical context, incorrect statements, and lack of references.

CONCLUSIONS

By evaluating LLMs in generating responses to patients' laboratory test result-related questions, we found that, compared to other 4 LLMs and human answers from a Q&A website, GPT-4's responses were more accurate, helpful, relevant, and safer. There were cases in which GPT-4 responses were inaccurate and not individualized. We identified a number of ways to improve the quality of LLM responses, including prompt engineering, prompt augmentation, retrieval-augmented generation, and response evaluation.

Discordance Between Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Increases Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a Geographically Defined Cohort

BACKGROUND

Clinical risk scores are used to identify those at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Despite preventative efforts, residual risk remains for many individuals. Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and lipid discordance could be contributors to the residual risk of ASCVD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cardiovascular disease-free residents, aged ≥40 years, living in Olmsted County, Minnesota, were identified through the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and VLDL-C were estimated from clinically ordered lipid panels using the Sampson equation. Participants were categorized into concordant and discordant lipid pairings based on clinical cut points. Rates of incident ASCVD, including percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, stroke, or myocardial infarction, were calculated during follow-up. The association of LDL-C and VLDL-C with ASCVD was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Interaction between LDL-C and VLDL-C was assessed. The study population (n=39 098) was primarily White race (94%) and female sex (57%), with a mean age of 54 years. VLDL-C (per 10-mg/dL increase) was significantly associated with an increased risk of incident ASCVD (hazard ratio, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.05-1.09]; P<0.001]) after adjustment for traditional risk factors. The interaction between LDL-C and VLDL-C was not statistically significant (P=0.11). Discordant individuals with high VLDL-C and low LDL-C experienced the highest rate of incident ASCVD events, 16.9 per 1000 person-years, during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

VLDL-C and lipid discordance are associated with a greater risk of ASCVD and can be estimated from clinically ordered lipid panels to improve ASCVD risk assessment.

Elevated blood remnant cholesterol and triglycerides are causally related to the risks of cardiometabolic multimorbidity

The connection between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and cardiometabolic multimorbidity, characterized by the concurrence of at least two of type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, has not been definitively established. We aim to examine the prospective associations between serum remnant cholesterol, triglycerides, and the risks of progression from first cardiometabolic disease to multimorbidity via multistate modeling in the UK Biobank. We also evaluate the causality of these associations via Mendelian randomization using 13 biologically relevant SNPs as the genetic instruments. Here we show that elevated remnant cholesterol and triglycerides are significantly associated with gradually higher risks of cardiometabolic multimorbidity, particularly the progression of ischemic heart disease to the multimorbidity of ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These results advocate for effective management of remnant cholesterol and triglycerides as a potential strategy in mitigating the risks of cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

Associations of the triglyceride-glucose index and remnant cholesterol with coronary artery disease: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Remnant cholesterol (RC) represents a low-cost and readily measured lipid index that contributes significantly to residual cardiovascular disease risk. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index exhibits a significant correlation with cardiovascular disease occurrence. However, RC and the TyG index have rarely been examined for their potentials in predicting coronary artery disease (CAD). Accordingly, the study was designed to validate the correlations of these two biomarkers with CAD and to compare the forecasted values of these two biomarkers for newly diagnosed CAD.

METHODS

Totally 570 subjects firstly administered coronary angiography were enrolled, including 431 newly diagnosed CAD cases and 139 individuals without CAD. The individuals were classified into two groups according to CAD diagnosis. RC was derived as total cholesterol content (mmol/L) - (high density lipoprotein cholesterol content + low density lipoprotein cholesterol content; both in mmol/L). The TyG index was determined as ln (fasting triglyceride level [mg/dL] × fasting plasma glucose level [mg/dL])/2.

RESULTS

Baseline feature analysis revealed significant differences in RC and the TyG index between the CAD and non-CAD groups (both P < 0.001). RC and the TyG index were independent risk factors for CAD in accordance with logistic regression analysis (both P < 0.05). Moreover, spearman correlation analysis elucidated CAD had a more remarkable correlation with the TyG index compared with RC (both P < 0.001). Furthermore, according to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the TyG index was better than RC in predicting CAD.

CONCLUSIONS

The TyG index and RC have significant associations with CAD. Compared with RC, the TyG index possesses a closer correlation with CAD and a higher predictive value for CAD.

Elevated remnant cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol concentrations from real-world laboratory results: a cross-sectional study in Southeast Asians

Introduction

Triglyceride-rich remnant lipoproteins (TRLs) are considered atherogenic due to the presence of remnant cholesterol, which is transported by apolipoprotein B. In clinical practice, the concentration of TRLs can be estimated by calculating remnant cholesterol or non-HDL cholesterol levels.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the proportion of patients who have low LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration but elevated remnant cholesterol concentration, stratified by the presence of hypertriglyceridaemia and ethnicity, using real-world hospital data. Our secondary aim is to investigate the proportion of patients with elevated non-HDL cholesterol levels using guideline-recommended goals.

Methods

A 2-year retrospective study was conducted at a single centre, analyzing lipid blood tests of all patients, including directly measured LDL-C. Fasting for blood tests was not mandatory.

Results

The study included a total of 21,605 consecutive patients with plasma lipid profiles analyzed in our hospital laboratory. The median age was 61 years. In patients with ASCVD (n = 14,704), 23.7% had an LDL-C level of <1.8 mmol/L, 11.3% had elevated remnant cholesterol concentrations at ≥0.65 mmol/L, and 48.8% were at the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) goal (<2.6 mmol/L). Among patients diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) with LDL-C levels of <1.8 mmol/L (n = 3,484), only 11.9% had high levels of remnant cholesterol, but 96% of the ASCVD patients also achieved the recommended non-HDL-C target of <2.6 mmol/L. When the LDL-C level was <1.8 mmol/L, the mean concentration of remnant cholesterol was 0.214 mmol/L when the triglyceride level was <1.7 mmol/L (n = 3,380), vs. 0.70 mmol/L when the triglyceride level was elevated (n = 724), p < 0.001. Among patients with a triglyceride level of ≥1.7 mmol/L and an LDL-C level of <.8 mmol/L, there were 254 patients with elevated remnant cholesterol concentration and 71 patients with suboptimal non-HDL levels. Malays had a higher mean remnant cholesterol concentration compared with both Chinese and Indians across all LDL-C levels, particularly in the presence of hypertriglyceridaemia.

Conclusions

An elevated remnant cholesterol concentration of >0.65 mmol/L was present in 11% of all patients. The current guideline-recommended non-HDL-C goal, which uses a 0.8 mmol/L estimate of remnant cholesterol concentration, was achieved in >92% of patients, suggesting that it is unlikely to be clinically useful for the majority of our patient population except where there is concomitant hypertriglyceridaemia. Further studies are needed to establish the appropriate non-HDL-C goal or calculated remnant cholesterol concentration, paired with the LDL-C goal or otherwise, in a Southeast Asian population.

Effects of physical activity on the levels of remnant cholesterol: A population-based study

Physical activity (PA) has the potential to bring about favourable changes in plasma lipid profile. However, the relationship between PA and remnant cholesterol (RC) remains unclear. We aimed to study the link between PA and RC using the database of the 2007-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PA was categorized based on Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. A multivariate linear regression model was used to determine the correlations between PA and RC. The study involved a total of 18,396 participants and revealed that individuals whose PA met the guidelines by engaging in moderate-intensity PA at least 150 min per week had lower body mass index and showed decreased levels of triglyceride, TC, and haemoglobin A1c compared to those who were physically inactive, exercising <150 min per week. Participants whose intensity of PA meets PA guidelines had a lower level of RC than those who did not met PA guidelines (β = -1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.9 to -0.7, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for confounders. During subgroup analysis, we observed that race (pinteraction  = 0.0089) emerged as a significant factor of interaction.

Cumulative remnant cholesterol as a causal risk factor for ischemic heart disease: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

While previous studies have established a significant correlation between baseline remnant cholesterol (RC) and ischemic heart disease (IHD), the enduring impact of RC on incident IHD remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the association between cumulative remnant cholesterol(cumRC) and IHD susceptibility.

METHODS

Participating from the Kailuan Study (2006-2010) were enrolled, excluding those with prior myocardial infarction, coronary artery revascularization and cancer across three consecutive examinations. The cumRC derived by multiplying the average RC with the interval between the two consecutive assessments. Participants were segmented into quartiles based on cumRC levels: Q1 (cumRC < 2.69 mmol/l); Q2 (2.69 ≤ cumRC < 4.04 mmol/l); Q3(4.04 ≤ cumRC < 5.65 mmol/l) and Q4 (cumRC ≥ 5.65 mmol/l). The correlation between cumRC and IHD risk was ascertained by using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULT

The analysis encompassed 42,639 participants. Over an average tracking period of 9.97 years, 1,205 instances of IHD were identified. IHD susceptibility augmented with rising cumRC quartiles. After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratios for IHD events were 1.06 (0.88-1.29) for Q2, 1.30 (1.08-1.56) for Q3 and 1.69 (1.42-2.01) for Q4, relative to Q1. Elevated cumRC was significantly associated with a heightened IHD risk, a trend consistent in both subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Elevated cumRC significantly correlates with a higher risk of IHD, suggesting that consistent monitoring and regulation of RC might be instrumental in IHD prevention.

Association Between Remnant Cholesterol and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography and/or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an acute renal complication that can occur after the use of iodinated contrast media. Remnant cholesterol (RC) is one of the markers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. We evaluated the impact of RC on CIN and clinical outcomes after coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Consecutive patients (n = 3332) undergoing CAG and/or PCI were assessed in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into four groups based on baseline RC levels. In the quartile analysis, RC were associated with a higher risk of CIN, especially when RC ≤0.20 or ≥0.38 mmol/L (P < .05). However, after adjustment, the association of RC with CIN was not significant. There was a significant correlation between RC and repeated revascularization in patients undergoing PCI (P < .001) and driven primarily by the highest quartile level. After adjustment, this remained statistically significant (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.06; 95% CI 2.10-7.87; P < .001). This is the first large study to show a possible association between RC and the risk of CIN after CAG and/or PCI; however, this finding was not further confirmed after adjustment. The complex clinical risk profile of patients, rather than RC itself, may contribute to the risk of CIN in this high-risk subgroup.

Bibliometric analysis of residual cardiovascular risk: trends and frontiers

BACKGROUND

The presence of residual cardiovascular risk is an important cause of cardiovascular events. Despite the significant advances in our understanding of residual cardiovascular risk, a comprehensive analysis through bibliometrics has not been performed to date. Our objective is to conduct bibliometric studies to analyze and visualize the current research hotspots and trends related to residual cardiovascular risk. This will aid in understanding the future directions of both basic and clinical research in this area.

METHODS

The literature was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The literature search date was September 28, 2022. Bibliometric indicators were analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix (an R package), and Microsoft Excel.

RESULT

A total of 1167 papers were included, and the number of publications is increasing rapidly in recent years. The United States and Harvard Medical School are the leading country and institution, respectively, in the study of residual cardiovascular risk. Ridker PM and Boden WE are outstanding investigators in this field. According to our research results, the New England Journal of Medicine is the most influential journal in the field of residual cardiovascular risk, whereas Atherosclerosis boasts the highest number of publications on this topic. Analysis of keywords and landmark literature identified current research hotspots including complications of residual cardiovascular risk, risk factors, and pharmacological prevention strategies.

CONCLUSION

In recent times, global attention toward residual cardiovascular risk has significantly increased. Current research is focused on comprehensive lipid-lowering, residual inflammation risk, and dual-pathway inhibition strategies. Future efforts should emphasize strengthening international communication and cooperation to promote the comprehensive evaluation and management of residual cardiovascular risk.

Lipoproteins, Cholesterol, and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in East Asians and Europeans

One fifth of the world population live in East Asia comprising Japan, Korea, and China where ischemic heart disease, a major component of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is the second most frequent cause of death. Each of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), remnant lipoproteins, and lipoprotein(a), summarized as non-high-density lipoproteins (non-HDL) or apolipoprotein B (apoB) containing lipoproteins, causes ASCVD. However, a significant proportion of the evidence on lipoproteins and lipoprotein cholesterol with risk of ASCVD came from White people mainly living in Europe and North America and not from people living in East Asia or of East Asian descent. With a unique biological, geohistorical, and social background in this world region, East Asians have distinctive characteristics that might have potential impact on the association of lipoproteins and lipoprotein cholesterol with risk of ASCVD. Considering the movement across national borders in the World, understanding of lipoprotein and lipoprotein cholesterol evidence on ASCVD in East Asia is important for both East Asian and non-East Asian populations wherever they live in the World.In this review, we introduce the biological features of lipoproteins and lipoprotein cholesterol and the evidence for their association with risk of ASCVD in East Asian and European populations. We also provide an overview of guideline recommendations for prevention of ASCVD in these two different world regions. Finally, specific preventive strategies and future perspectives are touched upon.

Do Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins Equal Low-Density Lipoproteins in Risk of ASCVD?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent large clinical trials have failed to show that triglyceride-rich lipoprotein-lowering therapies decrease the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this review, we reconcile these findings with evidence showing that elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and the cholesterol they contain, remnant cholesterol, cause ASCVD alongside low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

RECENT FINDINGS

Results from observational epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, and randomized controlled trials indicate that lowering of remnant cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decrease ASCVD risk by a similar magnitude per 1 mmol/L (39 mg/dL) lower non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (remnant cholesterol+LDL cholesterol). Indeed, recent guidelines for ASCVD prevention recommend the use of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol instead of LDL cholesterol. Current consensus is moving towards recognizing remnant cholesterol and LDL cholesterols as equals per 1 mmol/L (39 mg/dL) higher levels in the risk assessment of ASCVD; hence, triglyceride-rich lipoprotein-lowering therapies should also lower levels of non-HDL cholesterol to reduce ASCVD risk.

Remnant cholesterol predicts cardiovascular mortality beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) are prone to dyslipidemia. However, studies concerning remnant cholesterol (RC) in such patients are limited.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the association between RC and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in patients on PD.

METHODS

Patients who initiated PD at our center (2006-2018) were retrospectively enrolled. Adjusted Cox models were used to evaluate the independent association between baseline RC levels and CV mortality. We classified patients into 4 concordant/discordant categories according to their baseline lipid profiles. Cox models were then used to determine the association between different low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and RC levels and CV mortality risk.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 2333 individuals, with a mean RC of 33.4 mg/dL. RC levels were positively associated with CV mortality risk independent of LDL-C in patients on PD (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1. 00-1.10). In the concordant/discordant categories, patients with high LDL-C and RC levels had a higher CV mortality risk (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.01-2.28) than those with low LDL-C and RC levels in the entire cohort. Moreover, in older patients, a higher RC level increased CV mortality risk regardless of the LDL-C level (HR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.22-4.74; HR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.12-4.14).

CONCLUSIONS

RC levels are elevated in patients on PD and can predict CV mortality beyond LDL-C levels. RC levels should be considered alongside LDL-C levels when assessing prognostic lipid levels in these patients. More attention should be given to RC than to LDL-C in older patients undergoing PD.

Nonlinear connection between remnant cholesterol and stroke risk: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

The evidence on the relationship between remnant cholesterol (RC) and stroke remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between RC and stroke risk in a Chinese population of middle-aged and elderly individuals.

METHODS

The present study included 10067 Chinese subjects of middle-aged and elderly individuals. The connection between RC and incident stroke was investigated using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model, several sensitivity analyses, generalized additive models, and smoothed curve fitting.

RESULTS

A total of 1180 participants with stroke were recorded during the follow-up period. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model identified a positive connection between RC and stroke risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.087, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.001-1.180). In addition, the current study discovered a nonlinear connection between RC and incident stroke, and the point of inflection for RC was 1.78 mmol/L. The risk of stroke increased by 25.1% with each unit increase in RC level when RC was < 1.78 mmol/L (HR:1.251, 95%CI: 1.089-1.437, P = 0.0015). The results were not affected by sensitivity tests.

CONCLUSION

The current study showed a positive and nonlinear connection between RC and stroke risk in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population. These findings provided new information to help researchers better understand the relationship between RC levels and incident stroke.

A nomogram for predicting echocardiogram prescription in outpatients: an analysis of the NAMCS database

Background and objective

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Echocardiography is a commonly used method for assessing the condition of patients with cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the population characteristics of patients who are recommended for echocardiographic examinations.

Methods

The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was a cross-sectional survey previously undertaken in the USA. In this study, publicly accessible data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database (for 2007-2016 and 2018-2019; data for 2017 was not published) were utilized to create a nomogram based on significant risk predictors. The study was performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations stipulated in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: training cohort or validation cohort. The latter was used to assess the reliability of the prediction nomogram. Decision curve analysis was performed to evaluate the net benefit. Propensity score matching analysis was used to evaluate the relevance of echocardiography to clinical decision-making.

Results

A total of 217,178 outpatients were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease/history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, major reason for visit, metropolitan statistical area, cerebrovascular disease/history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, previously assessed, insurance, referred, diagnosis, and reason for visit were all predictors of echocardiogram prescription in outpatients. The reliability of the predictive nomogram was confirmed in the validation cohort. After propensity score matching, there was a significant difference in new cardiovascular agent prescriptions between the echocardiogram and no echocardiogram groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

In this cohort study, a nomogram based on the characteristics of outpatients was developed to predict the possibility of prescribing echocardiography. The echocardiogram group was more likely to be prescribed new cardiovascular agents. These findings may contribute to providing information about the gap between actual utilizations and guidelines and the actual outpatient practice, as well as meeting the needs of outpatients.

Remnant cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and incident cardiovascular disease among Koreans: a national population-based study

AIMS

The synergistic association of remnant cholesterol (remnant-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in various subgroups of Koreans was investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the national health insurance data, we included subjects aged between 40 and 70 years without a history of CVD and at least two health screenings between 2009 and 2011. The subjects were divided into four groups by LDL-C and remnant-C levels. The primary outcome was CVD, which occurred between 2014 and 2017. Among 3 686 034 (45.6% women) subjects, 144 004 cardiovascular events occurred. Individuals in both high LDL-C and high remnant-C [hazard ratio (HR) 1.266, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.243-1.289; 7.9%], high LDL-C only (HR 1.098, 95% CI 1.083-1.113; 21.2%), and high remnant-C only groups (HR 1.102, 95% CI 1.087-1.118; 19.1%) had higher risks of CVD than those in the reference group (LDL-C < 3.4 mmol/L and remnant-C < 0.8 mmol/L; 51.8%). A continuous and linear increase in CVD risk was found in those with higher remnant-C levels after adjustment for several confounders, including LDL-C levels. The association of remnant-C ≥ 0.8 mmol/L with an increased CVD risk was consistent across various strata.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined high remnant-C and LDL-C levels confer a higher CVD risk than that individually. Elevated remnant-C values independent of LDL-C levels were associated with a risk of incident CVD. Remnant cholesterol levels in addition to LDL-C levels are important considerations in risk stratification for the primary prevention of CVD.

Dual elevated remnant cholesterol and C-reactive protein in myocardial infarction, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and mortality

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Elevated remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation each cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); however, it is unknown whether joint elevation of both factors confers the highest risk. We tested the hypothesis that dual elevated remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation marked by elevated C-reactive protein is associated with the highest risk of myocardial infarction, ASCVD, and all-cause mortality.

METHODS

The Copenhagen General Population Study randomly recruited white Danish individuals aged 20-100 years in 2003-2015 and followed them for a median 9.5 years. ASCVD was cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization.

RESULTS

In 103,221 individuals, we observed 2,454 (2.4%) myocardial infarctions, 5,437 (5.3%) ASCVD events, and 10,521 (10.2%) deaths. The hazard ratios increased with each of stepwise higher remnant cholesterol and stepwise higher C-reactive protein. In individuals with the highest tertile of both remnant cholesterol and C-reactive protein compared to individuals with the lowest tertile of both, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratios were 2.2 (95%CI:1.9-2.7) for myocardial infarction, 1.9 (1.7-2.2) for ASCVD, and 1.4 (1.3-1.5) for all-cause mortality. Corresponding values for only the highest tertile of remnant cholesterol were 1.6 (1.5-1.8), 1.4 (1.3-1.5), and 1.1 (1.0-1.1), and those for only the highest tertile of C-reactive protein were 1.7 (1.5-1.8), 1.6 (1.5-1.7), and 1.3 (1.3-1.4), respectively. There was no statistical evidence for interaction between elevated remnant cholesterol and elevated C-reactive protein on risk of myocardial infarction (p = 0.10), ASCVD (p = 0.40), or all-cause mortality (p = 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Dual elevated remnant cholesterol and C-reactive protein confers the highest risk of myocardial infarction, ASCVD, and all-cause mortality, that is, compared to either of these two factors individually.

Remnant cholesterol and risk of myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing revascularization

BACKGROUND

Despite substantial reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), patients develop recurrent cardiovascular events. Remnant cholesterol (RC), the cholesterol content of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, is a potential contributor to this residual risk.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between RC and risk for myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with coronary artery disease, and examine whether the predictive value of RC is retained beyond non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C).

METHODS

Data on 9451 patients undergoing coronary revascularization in a single center. RC was calculated as total cholesterol minus high-density lipoprotein cholesterol minus LDL-C (estimated using Martin-Hopkins equation). Cox-regression models were used to estimate the association between RC and risk for MI. Discordance analyses were performed to examine the correlation between RC and non-HDL-C (or LDL-C) in relation to MI risk.

RESULTS

Mean age was 65±11 years; 67% presented with acute coronary syndrome. During median follow-up of 9.6 years, 1690 patients developed MI. After multivariable adjustment including lipid-lowering therapies and non-HDL-C, RC was associated with higher MI risk: hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.36 (1.20-1.56) and 1.58 (1.35-1.85) in those with RC levels ≥75th (32.6 mg/dL) and ≥90th (41.8 mg/dL) percentile, compared to RC <50th percentile (25.5 mg/dL). When RC and non-HDL-C (or LDL-C) levels were discordant, the level of RC better reflected the risk for MI.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated RC is a risk factor for MI independent of lipid-lowering therapies and non-HDL-C, providing further support that RC may serve as a residual cardiovascular risk marker and potential treatment target in patients with coronary artery disease.

Use of machine learning to identify risk factors for coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in both developed and developing nations. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for coronary artery disease through machine-learning and assess this methodology. A retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study using the publicly available National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was conducted in patients who completed the demographic, dietary, exercise, and mental health questionnaire and had laboratory and physical exam data. Univariate logistic models, with CAD as the outcome, were used to identify covariates that were associated with CAD. Covariates that had a p<0.0001 on univariate analysis were included within the final machine-learning model. The machine learning model XGBoost was used due to its prevalence within the literature as well as its increased predictive accuracy in healthcare prediction. Model covariates were ranked according to the Cover statistic to identify risk factors for CAD. Shapely Additive Explanations (SHAP) explanations were utilized to visualize the relationship between these potential risk factors and CAD. Of the 7,929 patients that met the inclusion criteria in this study, 4,055 (51%) were female, 2,874 (49%) were male. The mean age was 49.2 (SD = 18.4), with 2,885 (36%) White patients, 2,144 (27%) Black patients, 1,639 (21%) Hispanic patients, and 1,261 (16%) patients of other race. A total of 338 (4.5%) of patients had coronary artery disease. These were fitted into the XGBoost model and an AUROC = 0.89, Sensitivity = 0.85, Specificity = 0.87 were observed (Fig 1). The top four highest ranked features by cover, a measure of the percentage contribution of the covariate to the overall model prediction, were age (Cover = 21.1%), Platelet count (Cover = 5.1%), family history of heart disease (Cover = 4.8%), and Total Cholesterol (Cover = 4.1%). Machine learning models can effectively predict coronary artery disease using demographic, laboratory, physical exam, and lifestyle covariates and identify key risk factors.

Association of remnant cholesterol with risk of cardiovascular disease events, stroke, and mortality: A systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lipid disorders are associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Remnant cholesterol (RC), a non-traditional previously neglected risk factor for CVD, has received much attention in recent years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of RC with the risks of CVD, stroke, and mortality.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials were searched. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and observational cohort studies assessing the association of RC with the risks of cardiovascular (CV) events, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 31 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with low RC, elevated RC was associated with an increased risk of CVD, CHD, stroke, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality (RR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.41-1.66; RR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.19-1.67; RR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.24-1.66; RR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.53-2.19; and RR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.27-1.50; respectively). A subgroup analysis demonstrated that each 1.0 mmol/L increase in RC was associated with an increased risk of CVD events and CHD. The association of RC with an increased CVD risk was not dependent on the presence or absence of diabetes, a fasted or non-fasted state, total cholesterol, or triglyceride or ApoB stratification.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated RC is associated with an increased risk of CVD, stroke, and mortality. In addition to the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as total cholesterol and LDL-C, clinicians should also pay attention to RC in clinics.

Remnant cholesterol in patients admitted for acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

Remnant cholesterol has been identified as one of leading lipid values associated with the incidence of coronary heart disease. There is scarce evidence on its distribution and prognostic value in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included all consecutive patients admitted for ACS in two different centres. Remnant cholesterol was calculated by the equation: total cholesterol minus LDL cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol, and values ≥30 were considered high. Among the 7479 patients, median remnant cholesterol level was 28 mg/dL (21-39), and 3429 (45.85%) patients had levels ≥30 mg/dL. Age (r: -0.29) and body mass index (r: 0.44) were the variables more strongly correlated. At any given age, patients with overweigh or obesity had higher levels. In-hospital mortality was 3.75% (280 patients). Remnant cholesterol was not associated to higher in-hospital mortality risk (odds ratio: 0.89; P = 0.21). After discharge (median follow-up of 57 months), an independent and linear risk of all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) associated to cholesterol remnant levels was observed. Remnant cholesterol levels >60 mg/dL were associated to higher risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.49 95% CI 1.08-2.06; P = 0.016], cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.49 95% CI 1.08-2.06; P = 0.016), and HF re-admission (sub-HR: 1.55 95% CI 1.14-2.11; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated remnant cholesterol is highly prevalent in patients admitted for ACS and is inversely correlated with age and positively with body mass index. Remnant cholesterol levels were not associated to higher in-hospital mortality risk, but they were associated with higher long-term risk of mortality and HF.

Elevated LDL Triglycerides and Atherosclerotic Risk

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the hypothesis that elevated LDL triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of ASCVD and of each ASCVD component individually.

METHODS

The study investigators used the Copenhagen General Population Study, which measured LDL triglycerides in 38,081 individuals with a direct automated assay (direct LDL triglycerides) and in another 30,208 individuals with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (NMR LDL triglycerides). Meta-analyses aggregated the present findings with previously reported results.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 3.0 and 9.2 years, respectively, 872 and 5,766 individuals in the 2 cohorts received a diagnosis of ASCVD. Per 0.1 mmol/L (9 mg/dL) higher direct LDL triglycerides, HRs were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.17-1.35) for ASCVD, 1.27 (95% CI: 1.16-1.39) for ischemic heart disease, 1.28 (95% CI: 1.11-1.48) for myocardial infarction, 1.22 (95% CI: 1.08-1.38) for ischemic stroke, and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.21-1.58) for peripheral artery disease. Corresponding HRs for NMR LDL triglycerides were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.20-1.33), 1.33 (95% CI: 1.25-1.41), 1.41 (95% CI: 1.31-1.52), 1.13 (95% CI: 1.05-1.23), and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.10-1.43), respectively. The foregoing results were not entirely statistically explained by apolipoprotein B levels. In meta-analyses for the highest quartile vs the lowest quartile of LDL triglycerides, random-effects risk ratios were 1.50 (95% CI: 1.35-1.66) for ASCVD (4 studies; 71,526 individuals; 8,576 events), 1.62 (95% CI: 1.37-1.93) for ischemic heart disease (6 studies; 107,538 individuals; 9,734 events), 1.30 (95% CI: 1.13-1.49) for ischemic stroke (4 studies; 78,026 individuals; 4,273 events), and 1.53 (95% CI: 1.29-1.81) for peripheral artery disease (4 studies; 107,511 individuals; 1,848 events).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated LDL triglycerides were robustly associated with an increased risk of ASCVD and of each ASCVD component individually in 2 prospective cohort studies and in meta-analyses of previous and present studies combined.

Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Estimated Remnant Cholesterol and Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Healthy Men

Remnant cholesterol (RC) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) may contribute to the residual risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with favorable traditional lipid profiles, but its relation with RC and non-HDL-C remains unclear. We analyzed cross-sectional data on 4,613 healthy men (mean age 49 years). CRF was measured using peak oxygen uptake during incremental exercise testing and categorized into quartiles. RC was estimated as total cholesterol minus HDL-C and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated RC was defined as ≥38 mg/100 ml (90 percentile). Non-HDL-C was calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL-C, and high non-HLD-C was defined as ≥190 mg/100 ml. CRF was inversely associated with RC (β -0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.39 to -0.24) and non-HDL-C (β -0.34, 95% CI -0.57 to -0.11) after adjustment for several risk factors. Each metabolic equivalent increment in CRF was associated with lower odds of having elevated RC (odds ratio [OR] 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.93) and non-HDL-C (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.00) in multivariable analysis. Compared with the bottom quartile, the top quartile of CRF had significantly lower odds of elevated RC (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.88) and non-HDL-C (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.91). In conclusion, higher CRF was independently associated with lower levels of RC and non-HDL-C and lower odds of the prevalence of elevated RC and non-HDL-C in healthy men.