Trends in high remnant cholesterol level and its risk factors among US adults using NHANES data from 1999 to 2020: a serial cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the trends in high remnant cholesterol (HRC) prevalence and identify its risk factors.

DESIGN

A serial cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2020 were analysed.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 24 658 adults aged ≥18 years with fasting total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) measured were included.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Serum TC was measured using an enzymatic method. HDL-C and TG were quantified using photometry. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was estimated by using the Sampson formula. Remnant cholesterol (RC) was defined as TC-HDL-C-LDL-C. HRC was defined as RC≥0.78 mmol/L.

RESULTS

The multivariable-adjusted survey-weighted HRC prevalence decreased from 26.6% (1999-2002) to 13.7% (2015-2020) with a 5.4% reduction per year (p<0.001), with a more pronounced decline in individuals aged ≥60 years and non-Hispanic black individuals. Correspondingly, lipid-lowering medication use increased from 8.3% to 19.9%. Old age, male sex, current smoking and family diabetes were associated with increased odds of HRC. In contrast, non-Hispanic black individuals, with higher education and higher income, were associated with lower odds. Obesity and pre-diabetes/diabetes significantly increased HRC risk, with a 27% increment in HRC prevalence for every 5 kg/m² increase in body mass index (BMI) (95% CI 22% to 32%).

CONCLUSION

HRC prevalence has significantly decreased among US adults over the past two decades, likely due to improved cholesterol management. However, certain groups, particularly those with higher BMI and diabetes, remain at elevated risk. Public health efforts should mitigate these disparities to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk.