Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: An inverse marker of morbidity and mortality in patients with myocardial infarction.
J Intern Med 2023;
294:616-627. [PMID:
37254886 DOI:
10.1111/joim.13656]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease increases with levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Yet, a paradox may exist where lower LDL-C levels at myocardial infarction (MI) are associated with poorer prognoses.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between LDL-C levels at MI with risk factor burden and cause-specific outcomes.
METHODS
Statin-naive patients hospitalized for a first MI and registered in SWEDEHEART were included. Data were linked to Swedish registers. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and nonfatal MI. Associations between LDL-C and outcomes were assessed using adjusted proportional hazards models.
RESULTS
Among 63,168 patients (median age, 66 years), the median LDL-C level was 3.0 mmol/L (interquartile range 2.4-3.6). Patient age and comorbidities increased as LDL-C decreased. During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 10,236 patients died, and 4973 had nonfatal MI. Patients with the highest LDL-C had a lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-0.80). The risk of hospitalization for pneumonia, hip fracture, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and new cancer diagnosis was lower with higher LDL-C (HR range, 0.40-0.81). Patients with the highest LDL-C had a greater risk of recurrent MI (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.07-1.26).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with the highest LDL-C levels at MI had the lowest incidence of mortality and morbidity. This seems to reflect lower age at MI, less underlying morbidities, paired with the modifiability of LDL-C. However, supporting the causal association between LDL-C and ischemic heart disease, elevated LDL-C was simultaneously associated with an increased risk of nonfatal MI.
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