High levels of PCSK9 in the blood are linked to higher heart attack risk and more dangerous plaque in arteries, even if cholesterol is controlled.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Provide pooled estimate of cardiovascular risk prediction improvement with PCSK9 measurement.
A systematic review of all prospective studies measuring baseline PCSK9 and following for MACE, including ≥50,000 participants, reporting hazard ratios per SD increase in PCSK9, adjusted for LDL-C and other risk factors.
Establish independent prognostic value of PCSK9.
A prospective cohort of 20,000 adults with ASCVD or high risk, measuring baseline PCSK9, LDL-C, and other risk factors, followed for 5 years for MACE, with multivariable Cox regression analysis.
Assess cross-sectional link between PCSK9 and plaque characteristics.
A cross-sectional study of 1,000 patients undergoing coronary IVUS-VH, measuring serum PCSK9 and analyzing plaque composition, adjusting for LDL-C and statin use.