Lipids in cadaver sera after fatal heart attacks.

Blood lipids have been measured in sera from 750 cadavers. All nine fractions measured show a remarkably consistent pattern of differences between the various gross morbid anatomical forms of ischaemic heart disease. The highest mean values are found when an obvious coronary thrombus is present and those in simple atheromatous occlusion are nearly as high. When there is recognizable necrosis the values are considerably more normal. The serum lipids show relatively little change due to autolysis, about one half of 1% per hour or less. Lipoprotein levels assayed with Cl.welchii alpha toxin correlate well with disease states.