title: HDL-cholesterol: perfection is the enemy of good?
abstract: An inverse relationship between the plasma concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and the risk of having a cardiovascular event has been shown in several epidemiologic studies. It is likely that this relationship is causal because HDL has several intrinsic properties that can potentially reverse atherosclerosis. However, this has not been conclusively shown in humans, and trying to achieve perfection with pharmacotherapy is possibly the enemy of good (ie, a healthy lifestyle). Patients with low HDL should be advised to change their lifestyle, including smoking cessation, weight reduction, and regular exercise.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43054, USA. rrbaliga@gmail.com
authors.forename: Ragavendra R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Baliga
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015444:Exercise; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008019:Life Style; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000378:metabolism*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D012737:Sex Factors; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL