Pathophysiology and management of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Low levels of:high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated wit h an increased risk of coronary artery disease events, Data in animals indi cate that increasing HDL cholesterol levels decreases progression of athero sclerosis, Some clinical trials suggest a benefit From increasing HDL chole sterol levels, but additional data in humans are needed. Nevertheless, in p atients with, or at high risk for, coronary artery disease, a decision to i nstitute drug therapy that includes an effort to increase HDL cholesterol l evels is reasonable based on available data, Several clinical trials are un derway to determine the most effective drug therapy for decreasing the risk of coronary artery disease associated with low HDL cholesterol levels. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.