Population variations in atherogenic dyslipidemia: A report from the HeartSCORE and IndiaSCORE Studies

Background Asian Indians and blacks have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events compared to whites. Atherogenic dyslipidemia, comprised of small-dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and high triglyceride (TG) levels, constitutes an important risk factor for CVD often seen in the presence of obesity. The contribution of atherogenic dyslipidemia to CVD risk across diverse racial populations is not well established. Objective Our primary aim was to investigate the relationship between race and atherogenic dyslipidemia among whites, blacks, and Asian Indians. A secondary aim was to evaluate the association between obesity and atherogenic dyslipidemia across populations. Methods From community-based sampling, 720 whites and 373 blacks underwent evaluation of CVD risk factors, including fasting lipoproteins. An identical protocol was administered to 205 Asian Indians from Chennai, India. Lipid profiles, including those comprising atherogenic dyslipidemia, were compared among populations. Results The prevalence of small-dense LDL (pattern B) and of TG/HDL ratio >3 was greatest among Asian Indians and smallest among blacks. Compared to whites, the adjusted odds for Indians having a LDL pattern B was 2.06 ( P 3 was 9.42 ( P P 3 (odds ratio 0.41, P Conclusions Significant population variations in atherogenic dyslipidemia exist. This may be an important component to explain population differences in cardiovascular risk.