Cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoprotein studies: strategies for clinical use.

Epidemiologic evidence links high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol to increased risk of coronary heart disease. There is no evidence--yet--that lowering LDL and raising HDL alleviate that risk. Testing should be limited to those subgroups of the population at greatest risk. Total cholesterol and triglyceride determinations are the tests of choice for initial evaluation. HDL should be determined before instituting long-term treatment for hypercholesterolemia.