Serum high-density lipoproteins cholesterol, heparin and peripheral vascular disease.

Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has been determined in 85 patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and in 72 healthy control subjects. HDL-C levels were significantly decreased in patients with PVD. Considering other vascular risk factors as diabetes mellitus, smoking and hypertension, there were no differences in HDL-C levels. Twenty-three patients received heparin as treatment, this subgroup showed a HDL-C levels higher than patients who were not under heparin therapy. The possible clinical implications of these facts are discussed.