Relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and endothelial function in women: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and endothelial function in women.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting22 university hospitals and affiliated clinics in Japan.Participants1719 Japanese women aged 17–90 years who were not receiving lipid-lowering therapy.MeasuresWe evaluated flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and serum levels of HDL-C. All participants were divided into four groups by HDL-C level: low HDL-C (ResultsUnivariate regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between FMD and HDL-C (r=0.12, pConclusionsEndothelial function increased in relation to HDL-C levels. However, there was no association of HDL-C levels with endothelial function after adjustment of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in women.Trial registration numberUMIN000012950; Results.