Development and assessment of cardiovascular risk biomarkers

National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

In the past year, we made significant advances on multiple fronts related to cardiovascular risk biomarkers. Most notably, we published a new equation for estimating the cholesterol content of Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL-C), which was more accurate than any of the other currently used equations, particularly patients with low LDL-C. It can be readily implemented by routine diagnostic laboratories and its use should improve clinical management of high-risk patients that may require additional lipid-lowering therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We also published several reports on how the use of apoB as a cardiovascular biomarker can improve patient care for cardiovascular disease. Finally, we also published the first equation for estimating the triglyceride content of LDL (LDL-TG) based on the results of the standard lipid panel. In multiple large cohorts, LDL-TG was more predictive than LDL-C for future cardiovascular events.