A Proposal for the Optimal Management Target for Serum Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level in Low-Risk Japanese Workers

Aim: The Japan Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases 2012 (JAS Guidelines 2012) indicate that the management target for serum non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLC) level is 30 mg/dL higher than that for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) level. However, it remains unclear whether this value is applicable to subjects at a low risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to propose the optimal management target for serum non-HDLC level in low-risk Japanese subjects. Methods: Among 20,909 subjects who underwent annual medical checkup at a Japanese company in 2008, we analyzed the data of 17,023 subjects (14,352 men, mean age 37.8 +/- 8.6 years) in risk category I according to the JAS Guidelines 2012. The correlation between LDLC and non-HDLC levels was examined. Results: A strong correlation was found between LDLC and non-HDLC levels (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). The following regression equation for calculation of non-HDLC was obtained from linear regression analysis: non-HDLC (mg/dL) = 1.09xLDLC (mg/dL) + 7.79. According to this equation, the optimal management target for non-HDLC level corresponding to that for LDLC level (160 mg/dL) was 180 mg/dL. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, obesity, habitual alcohol intake, and current smoking were significantly associated with non-HDLC >= 180 mg/dL. Conclusions: The management target for non-HDLC level is recommended to be set at 20 mg/dL higher than that for the LDLC level (i.e., 180 mg/dL) in low-risk Japanese subjects.