HDL particle size had different associations with mortality
In patients with cardiovascular disease, HDL particle size was associated with different mortality patterns: small and large particles showed opposite directions.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In people already living with cardiovascular disease, higher concentrations of small HDL particles and total HDL particles were associated with lower mortality from any cause. Higher large-particle concentrations showed the opposite association. Small particles were also linked to lower cardiovascular mortality. These observational findings do not establish that changing particle levels would change someone’s survival.
Follow-up lengths and adjustments for other factors are not described. The abstract reports relative risks but also refers to hazards, leaving the statistical measure unclear.
What researchers found
Death from any cause; reported relative risk
Per 5 µmol/l higher small HDL particle concentration compared with a concentration lower by that amount; 95% confidence interval 0.63–0.75. Follow-up duration was not reported in the abstract.
Particle groups differed
The analysis distinguished HDL particles by size. Their associations pointed in different directions, so total concentration does not describe every subgroup. The findings concern patients with cardiovascular disease.
Reading the reported ratio
The reported ratio compares mortality risk between concentration levels: one represents equal risk. A value below one indicates lower relative risk. The confidence interval gives a range around the estimate; here, that range also lies below one.
The original publication
High-density lipoprotein particles are associated with the risk of mortality from all-causes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients with CVD: a systematic review and meta-analysis study.
Sharifi-Zahabi E, Nasiri N, Hajizadeh-Sharafabad F et al.
Lipids Health Dis · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40676666
- Record checked
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