Cholesterol and lipids

Worldwide, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke are the leading causes of death and disability. Observational studies have shown that higher blood total cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of CHD, and randomized trials have shown that drugs that lower cholesterol substantially can reduce the risk both of CHD and ischemic stroke. This article assesses the importance of blood lipids, including cholesterol, for risk of CHD and stroke in different populations, and considers the public health importance of strategies to modify blood lipids by diet or drug therapy for the prevention of vascular diseases. © 2008 Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved