Pharmacological measures to increase HDL-C among high risk isolated low HDL cases: A randomized study amongst north Indians

Background & objectives: Low serum levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is an established risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Among a variety of lipid modifying drugs, the best single drug therapy to increase HDL-C levels, especially among high risk, isolated low HDL-C (ILHDL-C) cases is yet to be identified. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the best pharmacological measure among atorvastatin, fenofibrate and niacin aimed to raise HDL-C and its effect in decreasing the estimated Framingham-10-year CHD risk percentage (CHD-RP) among high risk ILHDL-C cases in north India. Methods: Two hundred CHD equivalent (CHD-RP >= 20), ILHDL-C cases were randomly assigned for treatment either with atorvastatin 10 mg/day (n=70), micronized fenofibrate 160 mg/day (n=65) or niacin-extended release (ER) 750 mg/day (n=65). After 6 wk of treatment, the dosages of drugs were doubled and the patients were finally assessed after 12 wk for their lipid values. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in the three groups. Niacin therapy 750 mg and 1.5 g/day resulted in a significant rise in HDL-C by 8.10 +/- 3.19 and 12.41 +/- 4.39 per cent (P<0.001), respectively. Fenofibrate 160 and 320 mg/day also resulted in a significant rise in HDL-C by 3.85 +/- 3.48 and 6.24 +/- 4.43 per cent (P<0.001), respectively, while atorvastatin 10 and 20 mg/day resulted in a non-significant increase in HDL-C by 0.13 +/- 2.92 per cent and 0.51 +/- 2.63 per cent, respectively. By increasing HDL-C values, niacin was found to be most effective in reduction of 10-year CHD-RP (P<0.001), followed by fenofibrate (P=0.010), while atorvastatin had no effect. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings indicate that niacin rather than fibrates or statins seems to provide a safe and effective therapy for increasing HDL-C, thus reducing the cumulative CHD risk among ILHDL-C cases.