Some Observations on Hyperlipoproteinemias and their Classification

THE TIME HAS COME when we as practitioners must make our peace with the lipoproteins. Important niew evidence has accumulated during the past decade firmly establishing hyperlipoproteinemia as a risk factor in atherosclerosis. This includes not only additionial epidemiologic correlations but also, most importantly, several studies in which favorable effects on morbidity and mortality vere observed as a result of dietary or drug treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia.'Criticisms of one sort and another can be leveled at these studies individually, and the book has by no means been closed; additional clinical research anid further field trials are needed. Nevertheless, the impact of the intervention trials already completed is such that best medical practice now certainly calls for correction of frank hyperlipoproteinemia. The questions of when to treat (Hov shall we define the upper limits of normal?) and how to treat (What is the best diet in each case? When