Objective: To analyze the relationship between the serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and achilles tendon thickness (ATT).
Methods: We studied 154 patients with high serum level of LDL-C (LDL-C≥3.37 mmol/L) from 2014-03 to 2015-03, the patients were at (18-75) years of age. According to《Guidelines on Prevention and Treatment of Blood Lipid Abnormality in Chinese Adults 2007》, the patients were divided into 2 groups:Borderline high LDL-C (3.3-4.12 mmol/L) group n=50 and High LDL-C (≥4.14 mmol/L) group, n=104;in addition, there was a Normal control group (LDL-C<3.37 mmol/L), n=51. ATT values were measured by standard digital radiography and the results were compared among 3 groups;the relationship between serum levels of LDL-C and ATT was studied.
Results: ATT levels in High LDL-C group (9.42 ± 3.63) mm was higher than Borderline high group (8.24±1.73) mm and Normal control group (6.05±0.28)mm, all P<0.05. The liner correlation coefifcient of serum level of LDL-C and the mean ATT was (r=0.346, P<0.001).
Conclusion: Our preliminary research showed that the higher serum level of LDL-C associated with thicker ATT, they had positive correlation. This phenomenon should be further conifrmed by large sample and multi-center investigation.