Low HDL, even in statin-treated patients, associated with increased CVD risk

Low levels of HDL-cholesterol levels, despite treatment with statin therapy for elevated LDL-cholesterol levels, remains a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events, according to a new analysis [1]. The inverse relationship between HDL-cholesterol levels and cardiovascular outcomes remained significant even after adjustment for on-treatment LDL-cholesterol levels, age, hypertension, diabetes, and tobacco use, report investigators.

"Even when you have adequately treated patients with a statin, the risk associated with low levels of HDL cholesterol remains," senior investigator Dr Richard Karas (Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA) toldheartwire, "and the magnitude of that risk is quite large."