LDL size: does it matter?

The atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype is characterised by a moderate increase in plasma triglycerides, a decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol and the prevalence of smaller denser low density lipoprotein particles. The prevalence of this partially inheritable phenotype is approximately 30% and is a feature of the metabolic syndrome associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events. The predominance of small dense LDL has been accepted as an emerging cardiovascular risk factor by the adult treatment panel (ATP) III.