Changes in small dense low-density lipoprotein levels following acute coronary syndrome.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), especially small dense LDL (sdLDL), plays a role in atherogenesis. We compared baseline sdLDL levels between healthy controls and patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Blood samples were taken from patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction ([MI] n = 104) and unstable angina ([UA] n = 100). Both sdLDL and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were determined on admission and in the next 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Baseline concentration of sdLDL was significantly higher in patients presenting with ACS than controls (P < .05). In the 24 hours following ACS, the sdLDL levels decreased insignificantly in both groups of patients with ACS (P > .05). The changes in sdLDL values were not significantly different between MI and UA participants (P > .05). Patients with ACS have higher concentration of sdLDL compared with the controls.