Coronary artery calcification and dietary cholesterol intake in Korean men.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to examine the relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and coronary artery calcification (CAC) score in healthy men. METHODS: Electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) was used to examine the CAC score in 135 Korean men aged 40-81 years who did not have clinical illness. Dietary cholesterol intake was assessed by a nutritionist using a semiquantitative food frequency method. Body mass index (BMI), serum lipid levels, cigarette use, alcohol intake, exercise, and a past history of cardiovascular disease were determined during interview and examination.

RESULTS: The resultant median CAC score among those who experienced CAC was 22.5 (1-697) and average intakes of total fat and cholesterol were 22.4% (13.8-40.7) of total energy intake and 306.0 mg/day (84-1191). When the participants were classified into high (> or = 75 percentile) and low (< 75 percentile) CAC score groups, multiple logistic analysis showed that the cholesterol intake (per 10 mg/1000 kcal of energy) was significantly related to a high CAC score (OR 1.12: 95% CI 1.02-1.24), after adjustment for age, BMI, serum triglyceride level, past history of hypertension, past history of hyperlipidaemia, and energy intake. Also, when participants were classified into 2 groups (CAC score > or = 100 vs. < 100), cholesterol intake was found to be significantly related to CAC score. However, fatty acid intakes were not significantly related to the CAC score.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that in a population with a relatively low risk of coronary heart disease, higher cholesterol intake may increase the level of CAC.