HDL cholesterol as a predictor of cardiovascular risk factors and glycaemic control: a cross-sectional observational study

Background. HDL-cholesterol is unanimously called good cholesterol for its atheroprotective role. Lately, studies have shown a strong alliance between HDL-cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. With this, present study aims to explore the prevalence of both high and low HDL-cholesterol levels in study population, and its association with lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin levels. Methods. This cross-sectional observational study, encompassing 2080 patients, endeavors to conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis elucidating the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of HDL-cholesterol levels, with a specific focus on hyperalphalipoproteinemia, in the context of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The study meticulously categorized 746 patients into two distinct groups: those with HDL-cholesterol levels below 40 mg/dL (n = 709) and those with levels surpassing 80 mg/dL (n = 37). Results. The study showed a comparatively low prevalence of hyperalphalipoproteinemia. Nonetheless, the study findings vindicate the concept of the detrimental effect of high levels of HDL cholesterol on cardiovascular outcomes. Hyperalphalipoproteinemia patients showed significant difference compared to the individuals with low HDL-cholesterol presenting elevated levels of total cholesterol. High triglyceride and VLDL were seen in patients with low HDL cholesterol. Both groups revealed a high LDL-cholesterol without any significant difference. However, both the categories demonstrated almost similar disparity in the glycemic parameters to be specific FBS, PPBS, HbA1c with no significant difference. Conclusions. High HDL-cholesterol levels are equally perilous as that of their lower levels. Hence both low & high HDL-cholesterol serves as predictor of cardiovascular risk factors and glycemic control.