Among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, LDL level below 50 mg/dL and triglycerides above 150 mg/dL were individually associated with increased odds for mortality .These lipid biomarkers may act as an independent prognostic marker for patients on admission.
Researchers observed greater odds for mortality when the direct LDL was below 50 mg/dL at any point during a patient’s hospital stay . In an analysis of triglyceride levels and mortality during COVID-19 hospitalization, researchers found increased likelihood of death when the maximum triglyceride level was greater than 150 mg/dL during a patient’s stay. Moreover, HDL lower than 40 mg/dL showed a trend for increased mortality.
The combination of low LDL and high TG levels are particularly concerning , and high TG levels associated with low HDL, indicates presence of metabolic syndrome .This adds to the current literature that shows that both metabolic syndrome and obesity are risk factors for severe COVD-19.
Statins have pleiotropic effects, including decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, improving endothelial function and immune response, and inhibiting the activation of coagulation cascade, all of which could be beneficial in patients infected with Covid.
Thus, patients with COVID-19 who have unusually low LDL levels and yet elevated TG levels have more increased mortality and diet, exercise, and lipid lowering therapy should be continued.
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