Researchers question concept of raising HDL to reduce MI risk

Some genetic variants that increase plasma HDL-C do not also reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, according to a study published in The Lancet. In the paper, researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital and colleagues said the data challenge the concept that raising HDL-C will translate into reductions in MI risk.

In an analysis of 20,913 MI cases and 95,407 controls, carriers of the LIPG 396Ser allele had significantly higher HDL-C but similar levels of other lipid and non-lipid risk factors for MI compared with non-carriers. The researchers said the difference in HDL-C was expected to decrease MI risk by 13%, but they instead found no association between the allele and MI risk. Additionally, the researchers said a genetic score combining 14 genetic variants related to HDL-C failed to show an association with MI risk. ...