Kolesterolhypotesen står sig. Kolesterol är en riskfaktor för ateroskleros, visar aktuell lägesrapport
Sammanfattning
The role of the blood cholesterol concentration as risk factor and cause of atherosclerosis is reviewed. Recent data from genetic causes resulting on both hyper- and hypocholesterolaemia support the concept of a high cholesterol as a cause of atherosclerosis. Long-term prospective observational data support the concept of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B as powerful risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Large-scale studies of cholesterol lowering drugs like statins and other treatment options strengthen the concept of cholesterol as an important causing factor for atherosclerosis. Recent studies also point to the concept of “the-lower-the-better” concept for LDL. Even if lowering of cholesterol has improved outcome there is still a residual risk of cardiovascular disease. New hypotheses for the development of atherosclerosis are therefore welcome. One such hypothesis concerns a protective role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).