--- title: "The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein…" description: "Measuring the number and size of lipoprotein particles provides additional insights into cardiovascular risk beyond traditional cholesterol measurements." url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d36522243.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d36522243.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d36522243.html" type: "study" study_key: "d36522243" journal: "Clin Investig Arterioscler" year: 2022 pmid: "36522243" doi: "10.1016/j.arteri.2022.11.001" citations: 1 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" --- # The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: a meta-analysis [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › The benefits of measuring the size and number of… **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d36522243.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/d36522243 ## Citation | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Journal | Clin Investig Arterioscler | | Year | 2022 | | PMID | [36522243](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36522243/) | | DOI | [10.1016/j.arteri.2022.11.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arteri.2022.11.001) | | Study key | d36522243 | ## Takeaway Measuring the number and size of lipoprotein particles provides additional insights into cardiovascular risk beyond traditional cholesterol measurements. ## The question What is the cardiovascular risk (CVR) associated with LDL and HDL particle size and number, as measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, compared to conventional total cholesterol measurements? ## Hypothesis The study aims to assess the CVR associated with LDL and HDL particle size and number, suggesting these metrics may offer additional insights beyond conventional total cholesterol measurements. ## Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using MEDLINE and Scopus databases for studies published before January 1, 2019. Included studies were cohort and case-control designs with adult patients, where HDL-P, LDL-P, HDL-Z, and/or LDL-Z were measured by NMR spectroscopy, and cardiovascular events were outcome variables with risk expressed as odds or hazard ratios. A meta-analysis was performed for four LDL and five HDL exposure variables, considering both highest versus lowest quartile and 1-standard deviation increment measures. ## Results The review included 24 studies. An increased number of LDL particles was directly associated with CVR, with a 28% risk increase per standard deviation increment. LDL particle size was inversely associated with CVR, showing an 8% risk reduction per standard deviation increment. The number of small LDL particles increased CVR by 12% per standard deviation increase. Both HDL particle number and size were inversely associated with CVR. ## Conclusion A larger number of LDL particles and smaller LDL particle size are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Conversely, an increasing number and size of HDL particles are associated with decreased risk. Larger HDL particle size provided greater protection, though this finding was inconsistent across studies. ## Limitations The abstract does not explicitly state limitations of the study, but it notes that the relationship between larger HDL particle size and greater protection was inconsistent between studies. ## Verbatim from the abstract > larger number of LDL particles and smaller LDL particle size are associated with increased cardiovascular risk ## Change in Cardiovascular Risk per Standard Deviation Increment | Measure | Risk Change (%) | | --- | --- | | LDL Particle Number | 28 | | LDL Particle Size | -8 | | Small LDL Particles | 12 | *This chart illustrates the percentage change in cardiovascular risk associated with a one-standard deviation increment in various lipoprotein particle measures.* ## Where this study is used on Magellan This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions. | Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages | | --- | --- | --- | | NMR Lipoprotein Particle Test | — | — | ## Reference 1. **The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: a meta-analysis** Clin Investig Arterioscler 2022 · [PMID 36522243](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36522243/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.arteri.2022.11.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arteri.2022.11.001) > larger number of LDL particles and smaller LDL particle size are associated with increased cardiovascular risk ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d36522243.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d36522243.html","name":"The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: a…","description":"Measuring the number and size of lipoprotein particles provides additional insights into cardiovascular risk beyond traditional cholesterol measurements.","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d36522243.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research map","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The benefits of measuring the size and number of…","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d36522243.html"}]},{"@type":"ScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d36522243.html#study","name":"The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: a meta-analysis","headline":"The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: a…","datePublished":"2022","isPartOf":{"@type":"Periodical","name":"Clin Investig Arterioscler"},"identifier":"PMID:36522243","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36522243/","sameAs":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arteri.2022.11.001","abstract":"Measuring the number and size of lipoprotein particles provides additional insights into cardiovascular risk beyond traditional cholesterol measurements."}]} ``` ## Related on Magellan Longevity - [Evidence: NMR LDL/HDL particle number](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s150.md) - [ApoB-containing lipoproteins: count, type, size, and risk of coronary artery disease](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d40289348.md) - [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) - [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md) ## Scope and disclosures Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).