Ldl Cholesterol

The level of total cholesterol minus HDL and LDL was associated with progression of atherosclerosis, independently of traditional CV risk factors, according to data published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging.

People with type 2 diabetes who achieved recommended targets for HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and BMI had increased life expectancy, although the size of increase differed among the biomarkers, concluded recent research.

Duration of LDL-lowering therapy had a cumulatively beneficial effect on CV outcomes, according to a meta-analysis of 21 randomized clinical trials published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Statin use was modestly associated with reductions in all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis.

The link between statin-induced LDL lowering and reduction of CV outcomes may not be as robust as assumed, researchers who conducted a meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine concluded.

Last week’s top story in cardiology was about the FDA approval of Leqvio for LDL lowering. According to the manufacturer, the drug is administered twice a year after the initial dose and a follow-up dose at 3 months.

Healio’s coverage of the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions made up the majority of the top stories in cardiology last week.

A plant-based diet was associated with a reduced risk for CVD among adults, but a diet of mostly low-fat foods was not, according to a study that spanned 3 decades.