High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)

Abstract

The role of high density lipoprotein as a major independent risk factor is now generally accepted. The expert group on high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) recommend interventions to raise HDL-C in appropriate patient groups irrespective of the need to treat low density lipoprotein (LDL-C). The renewed attention on HDL-C is due to the emergence of an important syndrome with low HDL-C often occurring with other risk factors such as high triglyceride, trunchal obesity and insulin resistance. This syndrome is both increasingly common and strongly implicated in the growing worldwide epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological observations and clinical trials support that low HLD-C concentrations predict increased CHD risk. Raising HDL-C concentration by exercise, weight loss, cessation of smoking and by pharmacological means is beneficial.