Clinical implications of discordance between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and particle number

Background The amount of cholesterol per low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle is variable and related in part to particle size, with smaller particles carrying less cholesterol. This variability causes concentrations of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and LDL particles (LDL-P) to be discordant in many individuals. Methods LDL-P measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, calculated LDL-C, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were assessed...