Beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: A perspective on low high-density lipoprotein disorders and Lp(a) lipoprotein excess

Evidence supports the involvement of 2 common dyslipidemias - low high-density lipoprotein disorders and Lp(a) lipoprotein excess - in coronary heart disease. Until clinical trials determine whether specific therapeutic interventions can prevent the occurrence and recurrence of coronary heart disease in patients with these dyslipidemias, the implementation of cholesterol-lowering guidelines can provide a reasonable way to manage low high-density lipoprotein disorders and to identify specific categories of patients who may be at particularly high risk for premature coronary heart disease. Empiric treatment guidelines are suggested for low high-density lipoprotein disorders and Lp (a) lipoprotein excess in order to foster further discussion and validation by clinical trial data.