TY - JOUR T1 - NEw perspectives on the management of low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol AU - Harper CR, Jacobson TA Y1 - 1999/05/24 N1 - 10.1001/archinte.159.10.1049 JO - Archives of Internal Medicine SP - 1049 EP - 1057 VL - 159 IS - 10 N2 -   A low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is a potent predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD). It has been estimated that 11% of US men have isolated low HDL-C levels, and there is uncertainty regarding the management of these patients. A cause-and-effect relationship between low HDL-C levels and CHD is supported by epidemiological, animal, and human clinical studies. We reviewed the structure and function of HDL-C and its role in preventing atherosclerosis. We then suggested an approach to the patient with isolated low HDL-C that may be useful to the primary care physician. An algorithm was proposed for use in patients with existing CHD, while the decision to treat patients without CHD was based on their score on the Framingham Heart Study risk prediction chart. SN - 0003-9926 M3 - doi: 10.1001/archinte.159.10.1049 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.159.10.1049 ER -