Achilles tendon xanthomas are associated with the presence and burden of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: A pilot study.

Background And Aims: Achilles tendon xanthomas (ATX) are a sign of long-term exposure to high blood cholesterol in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients, which have been associated with cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the ATX association with the presence and extent of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in heterozygous FH patients.

Methods: 102 FH patients diagnosed by US-MEDPED criteria (67% with genetically proven FH), with median LDL-C 279 mg/dL (interquartile range: 240; 313), asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease, underwent computed tomography angiography and coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantification.

Epicardial fat is associated with severity of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in familial hypercholesterolemia.

Background And Aims: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder characterized by elevated blood cholesterol, increased prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis and high risk of premature coronary heart disease. However, this risk is not explained solely by elevated LDL-cholesterol concentrations, and other factors may influence atherosclerosis development. There is evidence that increased adiposity may predispose to atherosclerosis in FH.

Effects of phytosterols on markers of inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Regular intake of phytosterols (PS) is proven to dose-dependently lower LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). Whether PS consumption can also impact low-grade inflammation is unclear. Considering the low feasibility of outcomes studies involving PS consumption, investigation of surrogate markers of atherosclerosis represents a valuable approach.

Favorable effects of ezetimibe alone or in association with simvastatin on the removal from plasma of chylomicrons in coronary heart disease subjects.

Objective: Reductions on the clearance from plasma of chylomicrons are associated with atherosclerosis. Statins improve the removal from plasma of chylomicrons in a dose dependent manner. There is controversy whether ezetimibe modifies the plasma clearance of chylomicrons.