[Levels of lipoprotein fractions in ischaemic cerebral disease (author's transl)].

The significance of serum lipid levels in the assessment of risk in ischaemic cerebral diseases is controversial. The differential investigation of lipoproteins, however, showed that the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions are absolutely or relatively decreased with respect to low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in cerebral infarcts and in transient ischaemic attacks. Raised LDL/HDL ratios were found in this study, as an expression of a relative lowering in HDL, in ischaemic cerebral disease associated with pathological disorders of the large or small cerebral vessels. Hence, it appears that HDL represents a protection factor, not only in the prevention of cardiovascular, but also cerebrovascular disease and a decrease in HDL may be a risk factor.