Is a High HDL-Cholesterol Level Always Beneficial?

Abstract

The specific interest concerning HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is related to its ability to uptake and return surplus cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver and, therefore, to its role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, but also transient ischemic attack and stroke. Previous epidemiological studies have indicated that HDL-C concentration is inversely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and that it can be used for risk prediction. Some genetic disorders are characterized by markedly elevated levels of HDL-C; however, they do not translate into diminished cardiovascular risk. The search of the potential causative relationship between HDL-C and adverse events has shifted the attention of researchers towards the composition and function of the HDL molecule/subfractions. HDL possesses various cardioprotective properties. However, currently, it appears that higher HDL-C is not necessarily protective against cardiovascular disease, but it can even be harmful in extremely high quantities.

Keywords: cardiovascular risk; dysfunctional HDL; high levels; high-density lipoprotein.