Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (Jan 2012)

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol: How High

  • G Rajagopal,
  • V Suresh,
  • Alok Sachan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.104048
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 8
pp. 236 – 238

Abstract

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The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is considered anti-atherogenic good cholesterol. It is involved in reverse transport of lipids. Epidemiological studies have found inverse relationship of HDL-C and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. When grouped according to HDL-C, subjects having HDL-C more than 60 mg/dL had lesser risk of CHD than those having HDL-C of 40-60 mg/dL, who in turn had lesser risk than those who had HDL-C less than 40 mg/dL. No upper limit for beneficial effect of HDL-C on CHD risk has been identified. The goals of treating patients with low HDL-C have not been firmly established. Though many drugs are known to improve HDL-C concentration, statins are proven to improve CHD risk and mortality. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is involved in metabolism of HDL-C and its inhibitors are actively being screened for clinical utility. However, final answer is still awaited on CETP-inhibitors.

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