Management of triglycerides, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol

Dyslipidaemia characterised by elevated total cholesterol/LDL-C, triglyceride or both or decreased HDL-C is an important risk factor for the development of ASCVD. Atherogenic dyslipidaemia characterised by high TG, low HDL-C and elevated small dense LDL (sdLDL) is more prevalent in Asian Indians. Normal level of TG is generally considered as <150 mg/dl. Hypertriglyceridemia is closely associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Goals of management of hypertriglyceridemia are to lower the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events and reduce the risk of pancreatitis. Lifestyle modification is important. In severe hypertriglyceridemia, TG lowering pharmacotherapy is important to prevent pancreatitis. In mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia, pharmacotherapy is employed only if associated with ASCVD or high risk factors and not controlled with lifestyle modifications and statins. Non-High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol which estimates the cholesterol content of the atherogenic apoB containing lipoproteins, measured as total cholesterol minus HDL-C is equivalent to LDL-C in ASCVD risk assessment and superior to it in those with mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia. Some international guidelines, have included measurement of non-HDL-C as primary therapeutic target for patients with ASCVD. Low HDL cholesterol is common in Indians. Despite evidence of inverse relationship between HDL-C and cardiovascular events, HDL-C as a causative factor for development of atherosclerosis is unproven. Therapeutic strategies directed at increasing HDL-C levels have not been shown to have cardiovascular benefits and hence HDL-C is currently not a target for drug-based treatment.

Optimum lipid testing for diabetic patients to enhance clinical care

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Dyslipidemia is a common problem in diabetic patients that predisposes to premature ASCVD. Dyslipidemia in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is very common and is characterized by hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) with decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol.

METHODS

Recommendations for lipid testing in diabetics from the Canadian, European and American guidelines will be discussed in this mini-review.

RESULTS

It is crucial to obtain appropriate lipid testing in patients with TG > 2.3 mmol/L and or LDL-C< 1.8 mmol/L. We also discuss the utility of the different measures of calculated LDL-C and their pitfalls.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we propose obtaining a non-HDL-C (preferred) or direct -LDL-C or apo B level to manage diabetic patients with dyslipidemia and optimize care. Also in some patients with a strong FH of premature ASCVD and have few or no risk factors, Lp (a) can be assayed to optimize statin therapy.