title: HDL-cholesterol: the negative risk factor for coronary heart disease.
abstract: High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) has emerged as a negative risk factor for coronary heart disease. Humans with low levels of HDL-cholesterol are at greater risk of developing coronary heart disease whereas those with high levels are less prone. The epidemiological and biological evidence of this association are strong. As a predictor of coronary heart disease risk, HDL-cholesterol is independent of the other risk factors and is the most powerful lipid predictor. Both genetic and environmental factors influence the serum HDL-cholesterol level. Two physiological mechanisms may explain the presumed protective effect of HDL-cholesterol. However, controlled trials of intervention on the effect of rising HDL-cholesterol on coronary heart disease risk are not yet available. The physician is recommended to include HDL-cholesterol determination as part of his approach to the management of hyperlipoproteinemia. But he is cautioned against the pitfalls of methodology and data interpretation.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D002792:Cholestyramine Resin / Q000494:pharmacology; D002994:Clofibrate / Q000494:pharmacology; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006951:Hyperlipoproteinemias / Q000235:genetics; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009539:Nicotinic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood; D005082:Physical Exertion; D044469:Racial Groups; D012306:Risk; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D004041:Dietary Fats; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D009539:Nicotinic Acids; D002792:Cholestyramine Resin; D002784:Cholesterol; D002994:Clofibrate