ABSTRACT
Disorders of lipid metabolism and transport induce the risk of developing atherosclerotic plaque with subsequent myocardial infarction. Impaired lipid metabolism or ingestion of a high cholesterogenic diet can result in increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) due to elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), and triglyceride-rich chylomicrons and low serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Factors that further increase the risk of CHD include hypertension, cigarette smoking, sedentary habits, diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic renal failure, and a family history of CHD.
