Serum Lipids with Special Reference to HDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides in Young Male Survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Serum cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were determined in 56 male survivors of myocardial infarction (MI) suffered 6-20 mo. earlier, and in 82 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. The mean age of both groups was 39 yr. Total serum cholesterol was within normal limits in both groups; HDL cholesterol was considerably lower and triglycerides remarkably elevated in MI patients compared with controls. Low HDL cholesterol seems to be a coronary risk factor. Low HDL cholesterol and especially a low HDL cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio may be stronger coronary risk factors than total serum cholesterol alone. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were inversely correlated; the importance of serum triglycerides as a risk factor for coronary heart disease is emphasized.