High-density lipoprotein cholesterol measurements. A help or hindrance in practical clinical medicine?
H. R. Superko, P. S. Bachorik and P. D. Wood
Often, plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) measurements lack
sufficient accuracy to be of practical use in an individual clinical
setting. Recent clinical investigations have demonstrated the strong
predictive value of HDLC concentration for future coronary events and rate
of progression of angiographically assessed coronary atherosclerosis.
Clinical demand for HDLC measurements by clinicians has increased after the
announcements of these results. The ability of clinical laboratories to
assess HDLC values accurately, so that they may be applied on an individual
basis, may be lacking, and enhanced accuracy should be encouraged.
