Relationship between serum lipid profile and higher physiological level of bilirubin in cardiovascular patients

Abstract

The present study is intended to investigate the protective role of high bilirubin concentration in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to analyse the relationship between serum bilirubin concentration and lipid profile in these patients. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world, with early signs and symptoms starts many years earlier leading to myocardial infarction due to many cardiovascular risk factors like abnormal lipid profile. Serum bilirubin levels are determined both genetically and environmentally and vary through one's life. Under its anti-oxidant property, it prevents oxidation of macromolecules from oxidation and prevents the atherosclerotic process. We evaluated 210 individuals with cardiovascular diseases (82% Men) and 190 normal healthy controls (62% Men) within the 25-60 age group. Both groups are divided into two, based on the normal physiological range as the lower normal and upper normal limit. We have observed significant reduction (***p<0. 0001) of CVD risk factors like total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, showing inverse association with serum bilirubin. Concurrently, direct relation with anti-atherogenic HDL cholesterol, which is significantly increased (***p<0. 0001) in CVD patient group and control group with higher bilirubin levels respectively. We also discussed the possible contributing mechanisms that might reduce circulating total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol concentrations in cardiovascular patients. Conclusion-Bilirubin may be an inverse risk factor for cardiovascular disease and findings from our study support the concept that physiologically higher normal levels of bilirubin have a protective effect against patients with cardiovascular disease and healthy people prone to CVD under its anti-oxidant potential.