Pseudocholinesterase/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in serum of normal persons and of hyperlipoproteinemics.

The proposed complementary risk factor, pseudocholinesterase/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, was significantly higher in patients with type IIb and IV hyperlipoproteinemias then in controls. In contrast, the established risk factor, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, was significantly higher in patients with type IIa and IV hyperlipoproteinemias. Discriminant analysis indicated that prediction of risk for coronary heart disease on the basis of lipoprotein phenotypes can be improved by about 20% when both the above factors are assessed concurrently. On the basis of earlier studies in humans and animals, we also suggest that the proposed risk factor may provide a better understanding of events leading to enhanced risk for coronary heart disease as a consequence of nutrition and of abnormal metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins.