Time to look beyond just lowering the serum concentration of low density lipoprotein--high density lipoprotein levels are also important.
There is convincing epidemiological evidence indicating that the serum levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are inversely related to the risk of vascular events. Similarly, intervention trials, involving healthy populations and patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), have shown that raising the serum levels of HDL is associated with a significant decrease in the risk of vascular events. It follows that serum HDL levels must be considered when assessing risk and setting therapeutic goals. Some of the currently available national treatment guidelines reflect this view. The present review considers the place of serum HDL measurement in the prevention of vascular events.
Nair
D R
DR
Department of Molecular Pathology and Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London NW3 2QG, England.
Wierzbicki
A S
AS
Mikhailidis
D P
DP
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000502:physiology*; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000502:physiology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D006113:United Kingdom
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL