Ceramides improve cardiovascular risk prediction beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Recently published Austrian study proved that ceramide-based cardiovascular risk test, CERT2, provides more accurate cardiovascular risk prediction than LDL-C.
The study by VIVIT institute had 1195 Austrian patients with either stable CAD or PAD. The follow-up time was 16 years. Traditional cardiovascular risk markers: LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglyserides, Lp(a), ApoA and ApoB, were measured from the patients. Also, CERT2 with ceramide and phospholipid measurements were analyzed.
The results showed that CERT2 predicted cardiovascular mortality and major cardiovascular events, MACE, more accurately than LDL-C or other measured biomarkers. Major cardiovascular events include cardiovascular death, fatal ischemic stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal ischaemic stroke. CERT2 was a powerful risk predictor in patients with either low or high LDL-C levels. In the study, LDL-cholesterol values failed to predict major cardiovascular events or cardiovascular mortality.
The study suggests that CERT2 is a valuable cardiovascular risk predictor for patients with stable CAD or PAD. The CERT2 enables more precise risk prediction for high-risk patients than LDL-C.
CERT2 is a ceramide-based cardiovascular risk test developed by Zora Biosciences.
Read the original article: Leiherer A. et al. Ceramides improve cardiovascular risk prediction beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Eur. Heart J. Open (2024) 4, 1- 9.