Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate sclerotic lesions of the common carotid artery by ultrasonography in 921 in-patients aged 65 years and older (77 ± 7 years) and investigate whether lipid levels were associated with carotid atherosclerosis. In men, an increased risk for carotid atherosclerosis was associated with increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Compared to men with the lowest tertile of LDL-C levels (< 83.4 mg/dl), the adjusted odds ratio was 2.502 (95% confidence interval: 1.426−4.390) in those with the middle tertile (83.4−115.2 mg/dl), and 2.688 (1.509−4.790) in those with the highest tertile ( > 115.2 mg/dl). Like the LDL-C level, the non-HDL-C level showed a positive and linear relationship with carotid atherosclerosis. Compared to men with the lowest tertile of non-HDL-C levels ( < 101 mg/dl), the adjusted odds ratio was 2.881 (1.633−5.081) for those with the middle tertile (101−135 mg/dl), and 2.990 (1.651−5.415) for those with the highest tertile ( > 135 mg/dl). Similarly, in women, an increased risk for carotid atherosclerosis was also positively and linearly associated with LDL-C and non-HDL-C. The Non-HDL-C level is a potential predictor of risk for carotid atherosclerosis in the elderly.
