[PLasma lipids and cardiovascular risk: lesions in the community]. / Lipidi plasmatici e rischio cardiovascolare: lezioni dalla Comunità.

We examined serum cholesterol levels and lipoprotein profiles as possible risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease by means of a review of epidemiological studies. At present a great body of literature reinforces the evidence of the etiologic role of total and LDL cholesterol and the magnitude of benefits deriving from its treatment. No convincing evidence has been put forward to indicate that the undoubtedly favourable effects of cholesterol lowering on coronary heart disease risk are offset by untoward effect on non-cardiovascular disease rates.