Cradle-to-grave atherosclerosis: high density lipoprotein cholesterol

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Lipid Metabolism
• Genetics and Environment

Background:

• Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has long been recognized as a primary atherogenic lipoprotein with a strong positive association with coronary heart disease (CHD).
• Recent research highlights high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as a more potent, independent risk factor for CHD.
• The relationship between HDL-C and CHD is inverse, meaning higher HDL-C levels are associated with lower CHD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the environmental and genetic factors influencing high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).
• To emphasize the role of HDL-C as the most potent lipoprotein risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiologic studies.
• Review of biochemical studies.
• Synthesis of existing research on lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary heart disease.

Main Results:

• High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is identified as the most potent independent lipoprotein risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
• The association between HDL-C and CHD is inverse.
• Environmental and genetic factors play a role in determining HDL-C levels.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the factors influencing HDL-C is crucial for managing coronary heart disease risk.
• HDL-C represents a critical target for cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.
• Further research into the interplay of genetics and environment on HDL-C is warranted.