Serum Lipid Levels and the Risk of Venous Thrombosis

Abstract

Objective— Lipids, through effects on the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, may contribute to the development of venous thrombosis. This association has been investigated in a few studies, with conflicting results. Methods and Results— We conducted a population-based, case-control study at a health maintenance organization in Washington State, to assess the association of serum lipid levels with the risk of venous thrombosis. Cases were 477 postmenopausal women with a first venous thrombosis during January 1995 through December 2001. Control subjects (1986) were a random sample of postmenopausal women. Medical records, computerized pharmacy databases, and a cancer registry served to collect data on lipid levels and risk factors for thrombosis. Total cholesterol levels were not associated with venous thrombosis. Only high HDL cholesterol levels were associated with a decreased risk of venous thrombosis after adjustment for hospitalization, malignancy, height and weight, postmenopausal hormone therapy, ... In a population-based case-control study including 477 postmenopausal women with a first venous thrombosis and 1986 control subjects, elevated triglyceride levels were associated with a 2-fold increased risk of venous thrombosis, whereas high HDL cholesterol was associated with a decreased risk. Total cholesterol levels were not associated with venous thrombosis.