Serum cholesterol and coronary sclerosis
Kaltenbach, M.
Fortschritte der Medizin 109(20): 411-414
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-8178 PMID: 1916565 Document Number: 382070
Among both the general population and physicians, there is considerable uncertainty as to the significance of elevated cholesterol levels. Many laboratories consider all values above 200 mg/dl to be abnormal or undesirable. Taking the case of a 66-year-old lady doctor as an example, arguments against such an undifferentiated view are advanced. It is concluded that cigarette smoking continues to be the major risk factor for coronary heart disease, and every effort should be made to reduce it. Elevated cholesterol levels alone usually have no clinical significance; they should be assessed only in conjunction with other blood parameters, but also with age and sex.