In conclusion, patients with CHD tend to have low serum HDL cholesterol levels. Of course, they often have increased body weight and waist size in addition, because obesity and increased waist circumference are a major factor for low HDL levels and also for insulin resistance. Increased triglycerides, ie, >150 mg/dL, are also commonly seen in these patients. These patients also often have increased levels of the small dense LDL particles, which many people consider to be the most atherogenic aspect of LDL cholesterol.
For further diagnostic differentiation, these patients also generally have elevated insulin levels, as well as a decrease in the very large alpha1 HDL particles, and mild decreases in the smaller HDL particles.
J Clin Lipidol. 2011; 5(6).