Link between Friesinger Index and Lipid Profile in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Coronary Angiography

Background: A strong association between abnormal lipid variables and development of atherosclerosis is widely established. However, few data exist on the association between lipid levels and the extent or severity of coronary lesions in patients with coronary artery disease. Objective: We aimed to determine the link between lipid levels and the extent or severity of coronary lesions in patients with suspected coronary artery disease using Friesinger index (FR). Methodology: In this prospective and singe-center study, consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography for diagnostic purposes were analyzed. Each participant was evaluated for lipid levels i.e. total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides/ HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides/non-HDL cholesterol. The extent of coronary disease was evaluated using FR index. Results: A total of 566 patients (mean age: 56.17 ± 9.99 years) were included in the study. The mean FR index was 5.40 ± 3.78. A significantly positive correlation was observed between FR index and total cholesterol (P = 0.002), triglycerides (P < 0.001), VLDL cholesterol (P < 0.001), non-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.006), triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio (P = 0.008), and triglycerides/non-HDL cholesterol ratio (P = 0.002). On the contrary, an inverse correlation was observed between FR index and HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001). Age or gender played no role in governing the FR index severity, while body-mass index, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking showed significant association with FR index (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a significant link between the extent of coronary artery disease and levels of certain lipid variables.