Abstract 12279: High Level of Plasma Remnant-like Particle Cholesterol in Normotensive Subjects May Predispose to Development of Hypertension

Objective: Remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-c) is an atherogenic factor and associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). RLP-c may induce endothelial dysfunction through oxidative mechanisms. The present study was designed to determine whether high plasma RLP-c levels predispose to the development of hypertension. Design and Methods: A total of 1,485 subjects (602 males and 883 females) aged over 40 years received a health examination in a Japanese Cohort of Seven Countries Study in 1999. We examined blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), and blood chemistries including fasting RLP-c levels. The serum levels of RLP-c were measured by an immunoseparation method. We excluded 676 subjects from the analysis who had hypertension (BP≥140/90mmHg), were on antihypertensive medications, and/or on antihyperlipidemic medications at baseline. Ten years later, 681 subjects (248 males and 433 females) were re-examined (follow-up rate = 92%). Results and Conclusion: Of 681 normotensives at baseline, 303 subjects developed hypertension after 10 years. We divided the baseline plasma RLP-c levels into quartiles. The odds ratio for the development of hypertension after 10 years was 1.731 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.062-2.821, p