Evaluating the atherogenic burden of individuals with a Friedewald-estimated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <70Â mg/dL compared with a novel low-density lipoprotein estimation method

In a nationally representative sample, a hospital laboratory, and a reference laboratory, approximately one-fifth of individuals with Friedewald-estimated LDL-C <70 mg/dL have a value ≥70 mg/dL using the novel LDL-C equation. These individuals also have significantly higher non-HDL-C and apoB concentrations, conferring an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, ongoing use of Friedewald estimation may lead to the misclassification of high-risk individuals and subsequent under-utilization of lipid-lowering therapies. Further investigations are necessary to confirm these findings in patients using proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors.