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Mike Mitka

JAMA. 2008;299(5):509-510.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Researchers have yet to develop well-tolerated and accepted therapies for increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the "good" cholesterol, but that does not mean they are not trying.

Much effort over the past several decades has focused on reducing overall cholesterol levels—an effort that has been fairly successful. A 2005-2006 survey found the average cholesterol level for US adults was under 200 mg/dL for the first time in almost 50 years, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Statin therapy, the mainstay in the cholesterol fight, is credited with reducing coronary artery disease by about 30%.

Researchers are exploring ways of increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Now some researchers have turned their attention to boosting HDL-C levels. "There is no question that the epidemiology is there—that HDL levels are inversely related to cardiovascular disease risk," said Steven E. Nissen, MD, chairman . . . [Full Text of this Article]