The evolving role of high-density lipoprotein in reducing cardiovascular risk

Abstract

In many patients with coronary artery disease, a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), rather than substantially elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), is often the predominant lipid abnormality. Although the National Cholesterol Education Program treatment guidelines include HDL-C concentration as a major risk factor for primary prevention, the guidelines' emphasis on LDL-C as the primary target of therapy may cause uncertainty as to whether risk reduction strategies should focus on lowering LDL-C or raising HDL-C in high-risk patients with low HDL-C. Recent clinical trial evidence and epidemiologic data suggest that HDL-C should play a more important role in risk assessment, and that the definition of low HDL-C may need adjustment from the current National Cholesterol Education Program definition of <35 mg/dL to perhaps <40 mg/dL in men and <45 mg/dL in women. Patients with low HDL-C should receive aggressive risk factor modification, and more emphasis on increasing HDL-C may be warranted in addition to lowering LDL-C. © 2001 by CHF, Inc.