LDL-cholesterol as a determinant of coronary heart disease.

The Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program identified high levels of LDL-cholesterol as a major risk factor in developing CHD and as the primary target for cholesterol-lowering therapy. Low levels of HDL were recognized as a contributing risk factor for CHD, and the panel recommended that low HDL-cholesterol levels be raised by changes in diet and lifestyle. When drug therapy is required for high LDL-cholesterol levels in the presence of low HDL levels, it would appear reasonable to choose one that both markedly reduces LDL-cholesterol and raises HDL-cholesterol.