In an effort to better identify and treat heart disease among African Americans, researchers recently shared findings that higher levels of HDL3 subclasses measured with the VAP® Lipid Panel were associated with less risk for heart attacks in [removed]Jackson Heart Study[/removed] participants.

The oral abstract HDL Subclasses are Not All Created Equal: Association of HDL Subclasses and Incident Cardiovascular Events in African Americans from the Jackson Heart Study presented by study lead author Parag H. Joshi, MD, demonstrated that HDL3 subfraction cholesterol was inversely associated with cardiovascular events, and was the main driver behind the inverse association of HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.

Using the VAP Lipid Panel from Atherotech Diagnostics Lab, Birmingham, Ala, for lipoprotein subclass measurement, researchers examining Jackson Heart Study data measured levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) to better identify and characterize risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) among African Americans. HDL includes more than a dozen subclasses, but HDL3 (small, dense) and HDL2 (large, buoyant) are recognized for their association with CHD risk. The study measured cholesterol from HDL2, HDL3, and total HDL as well as apolipoproteins A1 and B (apoA1 and apoB) among 4,722 participants.

“The Jackson Heart Study represents an important effort to better understand the higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease among African Americans and uncover new approaches to reduce this disparity,” said Joshi, Clinical Cardiology Fellow, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. “As with LDL, we know that all HDL particles are not created equal, and this study marks an important step forward in its findings that HDL3 cholesterol levels are inversely associated with cardiovascular risk. The higher the measured HDL3 cholesterol levels, the lower the risk of fatal heart attacks.”

Researchers also found that the HDL3 subfraction was protective from CHD events overall, independent of apoA1 and apoB levels. The HDL3 subclass explained the trend towards an inverse association of HDL cholesterol with overall CHD.

“The relationship between lipid subfractions and heart disease demands comprehensive and accurate lipid analysis of factors that extend beyond the limitations of the basic lipid panel,” said Michael E. Cobble, MD, chief medical officer. “We’re pleased that researchers were able to evaluate the comprehensive, direct measurement capabilities of the VAP Lipid Panel, which ultimately contributes to more personalized treatment and better outcomes.”

[Source: Atherotech Diagnostics Lab]