Protective Effect of HDL Null if LDL Levels High

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may not protect against heart disease if low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) levels remain high, according to a study published online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Researchers monitored cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk for 3,590 participants from the Framingham Offspring Study. The authors conclude that high LDL and/or TG are more predictive of heart disease risk, regardless of HDL.