Optimal LDL cholesterol levels in young and old patients with type 2 diabetes for secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases are different

OBJECTIVE: Real-world-based population data about the optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level for preventing cardiovascular disease in very high-risk populations is scarce. METHODS: From 2009 to 2012, 26,922 people aged ≥ 40 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had a history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were analyzed. Data from the Korean National Health Insurance System were used. They were followed up to the date of a cardiovascular event or the time to death, or until December 31, 2018. Endpoints were recurrent PCI, newly stroke or heart failure, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death. Participants were divided into the following categories according to LDL-C level: <55 mg/dL, 55–69 mg/dL, 70–99 mg/dL, 100–129 mg/dL, 130–159 mg/dL, and ≥ 160 mg/dL. RESULTS: Compared to LDL-C < 55 mg/dL, the hazard ratios (HR) for re-PCI and stroke increased linearly with increasing LDL-C level in the population < 65 years. However, in ≥ 65 years old, HRs for re-PCI and stroke in LDL-C = 55–69 mg/dL were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.85–1.11) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.79–2.23), respectively. The optimal range with the lowest HR for heart failure and all-cause mortality were LDL-C = 70–99 mg/dL and LDL-C = 55–69 mg/dL, respectively, in all age groups (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.91–1.08 and HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.81–1.01). CONCLUSION: LDL-C level below 55 mg/dL appears to be optimal in T2DM patients with established cardiovascular disease aged < 65 years, while an LDL-C level of 55–69 mg/dL may be optimal for preventing recurrent PCI and stroke in patients over 65 years old.