Differential age-related patterns in the associations of LDL-C, TG/HDL-C ratio, and carotid plaque: a large-scale cross-sectional study in a Chinese health check-up population - Report - MDSpire
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Age-Dependent Variations in the Relationships Between LDL-C, TG/HDL-C Ratio, and Carotid Plaque: Insights from a Large Cross-Sectional Study in a Chinese Health Screening Cohort
Clinical Report: Age-Dependent Variations in LDL-C and TG/HDL-C with Carotid Plaque
Overview
This study investigates the age-specific associations of LDL-C and TG/HDL-C with carotid plaque in a large cohort of Chinese adults. Findings indicate that LDL-C is most strongly associated with carotid plaque in younger individuals, while the association of TG/HDL-C remains stable across age groups.
Background
Carotid atherosclerosis is a significant predictor of ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease, making its assessment crucial in clinical practice. Understanding the independent predictors of carotid plaque, particularly how they vary with age, can inform targeted prevention strategies. LDL-C and TG/HDL-C are key lipid metrics that may exhibit differing impacts on carotid plaque formation across different age groups.
Data Highlights
Measure
Odds Ratio (OR)
95% Confidence Interval (CI)
P-value
LDL-C
1.12
1.08–1.17
< 0.001
TG/HDL-C
1.11
1.07–1.15
< 0.001
LDL-C (<40 years)
1.51
1.30–1.76
< 0.001
LDL-C (≥60 years)
Not significant
-
-
LDL-C with hypoechoic plaques
1.23
1.16–1.30
< 0.001
Key Findings
Carotid plaque detection rate was 31.4% in the study cohort.
LDL-C was independently associated with carotid plaque (OR = 1.12).
The association of LDL-C with carotid plaque was strongest in individuals aged <40 years (OR = 1.51).
TG/HDL-C showed a stable association across age groups, with the highest ORs in the <40 and 50–59 age groups.
LDL-C correlated with hypoechoic plaques (OR = 1.23), while the TyG index did not.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider age when evaluating lipid profiles and their relationship to carotid plaque. The distinct associations of LDL-C and TG/HDL-C with carotid plaque suggest that age-specific lipid management strategies may be beneficial.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of age in the relationship between lipid levels and carotid plaque, suggesting that tailored approaches to lipid assessment may be warranted.
