Untreated Inflammation vs. Residual LDL Cholesterol as Contributors to CVD Risk

In a meta-analysis of clinical trials, inflammation was a stronger marker of risk than LDL cholesterol in statin-treated individuals.

To determine the relative importance of residual elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and inflammation as cardiovascular disease risk factors in the current era of routine statin use for secondary prevention, investigators combined information from 31,245 individuals with coronary disease receiving high-intensity statin therapy enrolled in three large randomized, controlled trials (PROMINENT, REDUCE-IT, and STRENGTH). In a meta-analysis of these trials, they examined the associations of LDL-C and the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), with future cardiovascular events.

An elevated CRP at baseline portended a higher cardiovascular risk than an elevated LDL-C. Individuals in the highest quartile of CRP (≥4.2 mg…

Reviewing Author

Rohan Khera, MD, MS

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol-Myers Squibb; Evidence2Health LLC

EquityEvidence2Health LCC

Grant/Research SupportBristol-Myers Squibb; Doris Duke Charitable Fund; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Novo Nordisk

Rohan Khera, MD, MS

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol-Myers Squibb; Evidence2Health LLC

EquityEvidence2Health LCC

Grant/Research SupportBristol-Myers Squibb; Doris Duke Charitable Fund; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Novo Nordisk

Untreated Inflammation vs. Residual LDL Cholesterol as Contributors to CVD Risk

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Reviewing Author