Cholesterol Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cholesterol, including details on high cholesterol, hdl, ldl, diet, risks.

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular disease: risk reduction with statin therapy.

Rosenson RS

Preventive Cardiology Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. r-rosenson@northwestern.edu

A low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, patients with low levels of HDL-C without raised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are not currently eligible for lipid-lowering therapy. Many individuals with low levels of HDL-C have a combination of cardiovascular risk factors that include high LDL particle concentrations. Lowering LDL particle concentration and its surrogate measure, LDL-C, is an important approach to reducing cardiovascular risk. Statins are the most effective agents for lowering levels of LDL and can significantly increase levels of HDL-C. Extending statin therapy to patients with low levels of HDL-C but with LDL-C levels below target may have benefits for cardiovascular disease reduction in these patients.

Published 28 February 2006 in Am Heart J, 151(3): 556-63.
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