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HDL as a Causal Factor in Atherosclerosis: Insights from Human Genetics

  • Genetics (A. Marian, Section Editor)
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Abstract

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are inversely related to risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, the simplistic assumption that HDL-C levels directly and causally impact atherogenesis has been challenged in recent years. The purpose of this article is to review the current state of knowledge regarding genetically determined HDL-C levels and ASCVD risk and determine what insight these studies provide into the causal relationship between HDL and atherosclerosis.

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Acknowledgments

LRB is supported by a Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada National New Investigator Award and is a Canadian Institute of Health Research New Investigator. His laboratory is supported by an Emerging Research Leaders Initiative grant from the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

    Liam R. Brunham

  2. Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Health Care Research Institute, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, Room 166-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada

    Liam R. Brunham

  3. Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine (TLGM), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore

    Liam R. Brunham

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Correspondence to Liam R. Brunham.

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Brunham, L.R. HDL as a Causal Factor in Atherosclerosis: Insights from Human Genetics. Curr Atheroscler Rep 18, 71 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-016-0623-0

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