Low-density lipoprotein subfractions and cardiovascular risk in hypertension - Relationship to endothelial dysfunction and effects of treatment

Although hypertensive patients are at particular risk of vascular complications, the possible contribution of an atherogenic lipoprotein profile and endothelial dysfunction to this risk is unclear. We investigated this by measuring LDL subfractions and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (reflecting endothelial dysfunction) in a cohort of high-risk hypertensive patients. We studied 84 hypertensive patients (74 men; mean age, 64 years; SD 8). Chylomicron-free LDL subfractions were analyzed by disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, producing an LDL score, with higher scores being equivalent to a greater proportion of the more atherogenic LDL subfractions. High-resolution ultrasound was used to assess endothelium-dependent brachial artery FMD after reactive hyperemia after vessel occlusion. Baseline levels were compared with 61 age- and gender-matched healthy normotensive control subjects. Mean LDL score was higher and FMD impaired in hypertensive subjects compared with control subjects. These indexes were significantly improved after 6 months of cardiovascular risk factor management. LDL score correlated significantly with the 10-year Framingham coronary heart disease risk score, with a negative correlation with FMD (both P<0.001). Abnormal atherogenesis and endothelial dysfunction are both present in hypertension and appear to be related to each other, potentially leading to vascular complications. The abnormal LDL scores also correlate with the 10-year cardiovascular risk and can be positively influenced by cardiovascular risk management.