Clinical significance of plasma HDL subfractions (HDL2, HDL3) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the Greek population

Objective: In this study the major high density lipoprotein (HDL) subfracti ons (HDL2, HDL3) were examined, in angiographically selected patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Results: Patients with PAD have significantly high triglyceride levels. HDL 2 and HDL3 levels were found significantly reduced in patients with PAD. Al so, the ratio HDL2-C/HDL3-C was significantly reduced in patients with PAD. Conclusions: The aim of the present study is to provide additional support to the hypothesis that the determination of HDL subfractions could be usefu l to elucidate possible mechanism(s) for a better assessment of the risk pr ofile for PAD. Copyright (C) 1999 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists .