Serum total lipids, lipoproteins cholesterol, apoproteins A and B in cardiovascular disease.

Serum total lipids and lipoproteins cholesterol were determined in 33 survivors of myocardial infarction (MI) and in 75 subjects with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Measurements were also made by a quantitative immunological assay of Apoprotein A (Apo A) and B (Apo B). Apo A levels were significantly lower in cases than in controls. In those cases with low levels of Apo A, high density lipoprotein has a higher cholesterol content as compared with controls. A negative correlation between high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol was found in controls and PVD subjects. The findings suggest that Apo A is associated to MI and PVD and its quantitative determination is predictive of cardiovascular disease.