In some patients HDL Cholesterol – the “good” cholesterol does not protect the heart. A subclass of HDL that carries a particular protein is bad for the heart. This protein is called apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII). When this protein is present in HDL, the risk of heart disease is high and when it is absent, the HDL cholesterol is heart protective. So increasing HDL cholesterol alone with drugs need not pretect against heart disease. It is the quality of the HDL cholesterol and not the quantity alone that matters.
Prof. Sahasranam KV, MD, DM, Former Prof. & HOD Medical College | Senior Consultant Cardiologist