Measurement of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Non–High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Apolipoprotein B, and Low-Density Lipoprotein Particle Concentration

This chapter examines major atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins, namely, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apoB), and LDL particle concentration (LDL-P). The chapter covers the role of these lipids and lipoproteins in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, laboratory considerations with respect to their measurement, evidence for their concordance and discordance in cardiovascular disease risk assessment, and clinical trial support for use in clinical decision making. A discussion on fasting versus nonfasting lipid assessment is provided along with a summary of clinical guideline recommendations for lipid and lipoprotein measurement in practice. This chapter sets the stage for later chapters in this textbook that focus in more depth on use of lipids and lipoproteins in patient management.