High-density lipoprotein cholesterol measurements. A help or hindrance in practical clinical medicine?

Often, plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) measurements lack sufficient accuracy to be of practical use in an individual clinical setting. Recent clinical investigations have demonstrated the strong predictive value of HDLC concentration for future coronary events and rate of progression of angiographically assessed coronary atherosclerosis. Clinical demand for HDLC measurements by clinicians has increased after the announcements of these results. The ability of clinical laboratories to assess HDLC values accurately, so that they may be applied on an individual basis, may be lacking, and enhanced accuracy should be encouraged.