High-Density Lipoprotein and Long-Term Incidence and Progression of Aortic Valve Calcification: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) shares pathological features with atherosclerosis. Lipoprotein components have been detected in aortic valve tissue, including HDL (high-density lipoprotein). HDL measures have inverse associations with cardiovascular disease, but relationships with long-term AVC progression are unclear. We investigated associations of HDL cholesterol, particles, apoC3-defined HDL subtypes, and, secondarily, CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) mass and activity, with long-term incidence and progression of AVC.