Abstract P221: Plasma Triglyceride/High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease Parameters in a South Asian Population

Background: There is increasing focus on biomarkers for early detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies suggest that the ratio of triglyceride (TG)/high density lipoprotein (HDL) could be a simple marker for insulin resistant and increased cardiometabolic risk, but the association between TG/HDL ratio and CVD is not fully defined. In the current study we assess the relationship between TG/HDL ratio and subclinical CVD parameters in a South Asian population. Methods: In the cross-sectional analysis of 8080 South Indians, the assessments included left ventricular mass indexed (LVMI) to body surface area by echocardiograph, carotid intimal medial thickness (IMT), arterial stiffness by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and endothelial function by brachial artery flow mediated dilatation (FMD). Generalized linear regression models were used to test the association of TG/HGL ratio with subclinical parameters. All models were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, physical activity, LDL, blood sugar, smoking, stress, and anxiety status. Results: After the exclusion of people with evidence of coronary artery disease, 7164 subjects (mean age 43 years, 58% women) constituted the study sample. The value of subclinical parameters by TG/HDL quartiles is shown in the Table. In univariate analysis, TG/HDL ratio was associated with subclinical parameters [PWV (r = 0.14), LVMI (r = 0.11), FMD (r = -0.06); IMT (r = 0.103; p <0.01]. In adjusted linear regression models, TG/HDL ratio was independently associated with PWV (β = 0.029, p = 0.014) and IMT (β = 0.051, p <0.01). Subsequently, in gender specific models, TG/HDL ratio was independently associated PWV and IMT only in women [PWV (β = 0.042, p = 0.006); IMT (β = 0.067, p = 0.01)] and in subgroup analysis in healthy participants below 40 years of age [PWV (β = 0.082, p <0.01); IMT (β= 0.067, p = 0.01)]. Conclusion: TG/HDL ratio was independently associated with PWV and IMT in South Asian women, including apparently health young individuals.