Isolated low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C): implications of global risk reduction. Case report and systematic scientific review.
BACKGROUND
The importance of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated non HDL-C (as part of the metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus), and an isolated low HDL-C is rapidly emerging. The antiatherosclerotic roles of reverse cholesterol transport and the pleiotropic antioxidant--anti-inflammatory mechanistic effects of HDL-C are undergoing rapid exponential growth.


METHODS
In 1997 a 53-year-old Caucasian male presented with a lipoprotein profile of many years duration with an isolated low HDL-C and uric acid levels in the upper quintile of normal. He developed an acute myocardial infarction involving the right coronary artery and had percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with stenting of this lesion. He also demonstrated a non-critical non-flow limiting lesion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery at the time of this evaluation. Following a program of global risk reduction this patient has done well over the past 7 years and remains free of any clinical signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis. His HDL-C and uric acid levels are currently in the normal physiological range.


CONCLUSIONS
Low HDL-C and isolated low HDL-C constitute an important risk factor for atherosclerosis. Therapies that lead to a return to normal physiologic range of HDL-C may result in the delay of atherosclerotic progression.
Hayden
Melvin R
MR
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri Columbia, PO BOX 1140 Lk. Rd. 5-87, Camdenton, Missouri 65020, USA. mrh29@usmo.com
Tyagi
Suresh C
SC
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000502:physiology; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D015607:Stents; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D014527:Uric Acid