Exploring the correlation between triglyceride levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevalence in adults with familial hypercholesterolemia: Insights from a cross-sectional analysis in the HELLAS-FH registry

Abstract

Background: High triglyceride (TG) levels are associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in the general population. Yet, the role of TG in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) remains understudied. This research aims to evaluate the link between TG levels and ASCVD prevalence in adult patients with FH.

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis, derived from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry (HELLAS-FH), involves categorizing patients into tertiles based on their TG concentrations.

Results: In our study of 1772 adults with heterozygous FH (HeFH), aged 51 ± 15 years at registration and diagnosed at 44 ± 16 years, TG concentrations in the first (80 mg/dL), second (124 mg/dL), and third (200 mg/dL) tertiles revealed varying ASCVD prevalence (18.0%, 28.5%, and 28.5%, respectively). Adjusted for ASCVD risk factors, TGs ≥116 mg/dL were linked to higher ASCVD risk than levels <116 mg/dL (odds ratio: 1.37, 95% CI 1.05-1.80, P = .02).

Conclusion: A notable association with ASCVD is evident in FH patients, even at relatively low TG levels, starting from 116 mg/dL (1.31 mmol/L).

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular disease; Coronary artery disease; Familial hypercholesterolemia; HELLAS-FH; Triglycerides.