Examination of Lipoprotein and Lipid Levels of Adult Patients With Atherosclerosis, Myocardial Infarction, and Stroke: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The literature revealed correlations between high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and vaso-occlusive disease. Specifically, positive linear relationships exist between LDL and VLDL and the development of vaso-occlusive disease. Alternatively, a U-shaped relationship between HDL and vaso-occlusive disease exists where both low and high levels of HDL increase the risk of developing conditions such as myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. These results align with the National Institute of Health’s lipoprotein targets. Recent literature postulates that the adverse effects associated with lipoproteins may be attributable to commonalities between the structures of HDL, LDL, and VLDL, such as apolipoprotein subunits and molecular sizes that are not commonly analyzed in clinical lab tests. Nonetheless, additional research remains ongoing to further understand the role of lipoproteins in atherogenesis and vaso-occlusive disease.