Table 2. Major lipid parameters.

Parameter	Clinical significance	Comment
Cholesterol	Cardiovascular risk factor	Summation parameter comprising LDL, HDL, but also cholesterol associated with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and cholesterol bound to lipoprotein (a)
LDL cholesterol	Causal cardiovascular risk factor	LDL causes direct damage to the blood vessels
HDL cholesterol	Low values risk indicator	Low HDL cholesterol levels are indicative of increased risk; to increase HDL cholesterol does not reduce risk
Triglycerides	Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and acute pancreatitis	Moderate elevation (up to approx. 600 mg/dL; 6.8 mmol/L) increases cardiovascular risk
Non-HDL cholesterol	Cardiovascular risk factor	Summation parameter, covering all cholesterol associated with atherogenic lipoproteins; important in hypertriglyceridemia
Lipoprotein(a)	Risk factor for cardiovascular disease and aortic valve stenosis	Independent, genetic risk factor; is thought to be causally linked to atherosclerosis
Lipid electrophoresis	Simple classification of dyslipidemia	Rarely used today
Apolipoprotein B	Cardiovascular risk factor	Summation parameter, comprises all atherogenic lipoproteins
Additional apoprotein testing	More accurate classification of rare disorders	Determination by lipid specialists
Genetic testing	In situations of clinical uncertainty	Enhances treatment adherence; allows in certain cases use of medications requiring genetic testing
Sitosterol	Diagnosis of sitosterolemia	Determination by lipid specialists

HDL, high-density lipoprotein; LDL, low-density lipoprotein