Takeaway
- This meta-regression analysis of randomised controlled trial (RCT) data shows that non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLC) remains most closely linked to cardiovascular event risk.
- Triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values alone are still informative.
- Marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids might offer benefits beyond cholesterol lowering.
Why this matters
- RCTs involving triglyceride measures have produced inconsistent results regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related events.
- These authors suggest that fibrates might be useful (with caveats) for steeper non-HDLC reductions.
Key results
- For every 1 mmol/L reduction in non-HDLC (proxy for LDL+very-LDL), the risk ratio (RR) (95% CI) for major vascular events was 0.79 (0.76-0.82; P<.0001 [0.78 per 40 mg/dL]).
- For the same reduction in LDL-C, the RR was 0.80 (0.76-0.85; P<.0001).
- For the same reduction in triglycerides, RR was 0.84 (0.75-0.94; P=.0026).
- For every 1 g/day of eicosapentaenoic acid, RR was 0.93 (0.91-0.95; P<.0001), a benefit not seen with docosahexaenoic acid.
Study design
- Systematic review, trial-level (49 trials covering 43 years) meta-regression analysis of lipid-lowering therapy effects on these lipid measures and their associations with risk for major vascular events.
- Funding: None.
Limitations
- Analysis did not drill down to patient level.
- Few trials had participants with very high triglycerides.
References
References