Worsening lipid profile is associated with progression of carotid artery stenosis

Background. To determine if uncontrolled hypercholesterolaemia predisposes to progression of carotid artery stenosis. Methods. Pasting blood samples were collected from 76 patients referred for carotid duplex ultrasound for investigation of transient ischaemic attacks or recent stroke. Patients were grouped depending on the severity of the s tenosis found. Patients on lipid lowering agents were excluded. The data we re analysed using one way analysis of variance and the chi (2) test as appr opriate. Results. There were more men in the 70-99% group (15 vs 6, chi (2)=10.6, p <0.001, Table 1). The total cholesterol was raised in all three groups. Pat ients with carotid stenosis of 70-99% had significantly elevated triglyceri des (2.4 mmol vs 1.47 mmol and 1.37 mmol, p <0.003), low HDL (1.14 mmol vs 1.45 mmol and 1.18 mmol, p <0.003) and a higher cholesterol/HDL ratio (5.56 vs 4.29 and 4.71, p <0.014) compared with the other two groups. There was no difference in lipoprotein(a) in the three groups. Conclusions. Increased triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol seen in the 70 -99% group suggest that a worsening lipid profile is associated with progre ssion of carotid artery stenosis.