Schaefer - Figure 2 - HDL-C as CHD risk factor Text

It has been known for many years that low serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). As shown in the Figure, data from the Framingham Heart Study reveal that when the serum HDL cholesterol level is <35 mg/dL, then:

• in men, CVD risk increases by about 50%
• in women, CVD risk increases by over 200%

compared with the “normal risk” levels in individuals with “normal” HDL levels between the ages of 35 and about 60 years. After the age of 60 years, CVD risk decreases by about 40% in both men and women. In other words, there is both a substantial gradient of risk associated with low HDL levels and a degree of protection associated with high HDL levels.

Schaefer E. J Clin Lipidol. 2011; 5(6).