Lower or higher HDL-C levels are associated with cardiovascular events in the general population in rural China
Shasha Yu, Xiaofan Guo, Guang Xiao Li, Hongmei Yang, Liqiang Zheng, Yingxian Sun
Abstract
Abstract Background The present study aims to estimate whether high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is correlated with cardiovascular events (CVEs) and cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in a large sample of the general population in rural areas of China. Methods Adult participants ( n = 10,266, age = 53.79 ± 10.49 years; 46.5% men) were enrolled from the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study (NCRCHS). Laboratory testing, blood pressure, weight, height, and questionnaires about socioeconomic status were collected. Results In all, 585 nonfatal or fatal CVEs and 212 cardiovascular deaths were documented during a 4.66-year follow-up. Compared to the reference groups (HDL-C between 1.5 and 1.99 mmol/L), either lower or higher levels of HDL-C were correlated with an increased incidence of CVEs but not CVM [hazard ratio (HR) the lowest = 1.369, 95% confidence interval, 1.007–1.861; HR the highest = 1.044, 0.509–2.231]. Elevated CVM was seen in the lowest HDL-C category (1.840; 1.121–3.021). Conclusions Lower or higher HDL-C was associated with a higher incidence of CVEs but not CVM in the general population of rural China. Perhaps if an appropriate level of HDL-C is maintained, CVEs can be effectively prevented.