Epidemiology and genetics, morbidity and mortality of lipid-associated cardiovascular disorders

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease has increased substantially in countries of central and eastern Europe and remains the major cause of premature death in Western populations. Cholesterol plays the major role in the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, namely atherosclerosis. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the prospective, strong and dose-dependent relationship between low density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. In addition, evidence from molecular biology and randomized clinical trials supports the concept that elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol is both sufficient and necessary for the development of atherosclerosis. Other risk factors than cholesterol greatly enhance the likelihood of symptomatic disease. Monogenic lipid disorders including familial hypercholesterolemia and familial defective apolipoprotein B illustrate the consequences of the dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.