High-density lipoprotein and coronary risk factors in normal men

Serum high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (H.D.L.) was measured in 2568 men attending a screening centre and registered with a medical practitioner in Great Britain. Serum-total-cholesterol (T.C.), serum-triglyceride, serum-glucose, systolic and diastolic blood-pressures, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, height, weight, cigarette and alcohol history, and a brief assessment of physical activity were also recorded. H.D.L. was inversely related to cigarette-smoking, relative weight, and serum-triglyceride level, and directly related to physical activity, total-cholesterol level, and alcohol consumption. The ratio of H.D.L. to T.C. (H.D.L./T.C.) showed similar significant relationships to the above variables (except that the ratio was negatively correlated with T.C.). In addition the ratio was inversely related to age. These relationships were independent of the other measured variables. Both the H.D.L. and H.D.L./T.C. were inversely related to coronary risk rating. It is suggested that, despite methodological problems, H.D.L. is a useful biochemical measurement to add to a coronary risk profile.