Cholesterol has important functions in the body, including serving as a precursor for all steroid hormones and bile acids. Excess accumulation of esterified cholesterol, as part of dyslipidemia, in the walls of arteries results in the formation of fatty streaks. Fatty streaks can further develop into plaques. Formation of plaques in the heart may lead to premature atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, while formation of plaques in vessels of the brains can lead to cerebrovascular disease. Plaque formation in the arteries of the arms and legs may lead to peripheral vascular disease.
Lab measurements of lipids play an important role in identifying cardiovascular risks in individuals. Elevation of various biomarkers such as total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, and triglycerides and decreased levels of high density lipoproteins all contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
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Emerging approaches to the examination of lipoproteins for cardio-metabolic risk stratification >> Medical Laboratory Observer
Source: MLO
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