What can we learn about dense low density lipoprotein and lipoprotein particles from clinical trials?

The small LDL pattern B trait, and triglyceride rich lipoproteins, have now been established as major coronary heart disease risk factors and have been associated with its severity. The presence of these disorders identifies a patient subgroup which is at substantial coronary artery disease risk but also exhibits the best arteriographic response to treatment. Most lipid-lowering treatments have a differential effect in LDL subclass pattern A patients compared with those with pattern B that helps explain the differential arteriographic response seen in clinical trials.