High density lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary artery occlusion.

The relationship between the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and the extent of coronary artery occlusion (ascertained by arteriography) was studied in four hundred male patients. The group with HDLC levels over 50 mg/dl showed a significantly lower coronary artery occlusion score and lower plasma triglyceride levels than the patients with HDLC levels less than 35 mg/dl. The former group also imbibed more alcohol and had less smoking experience.