Abstract

ABSTRACT: Fasting serum lipids, lipoprotein cholesterol, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors were examined in 321 natural parents of children with low and/or high levels of β- and pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol. Parents of children from low pre-β-lipoprotein groups had elevated α- and lower pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Parents whose children had high β-lipoprotein cholesterol levels also had high serum total and β-lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Parents of children with high levels of both β- and pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol had a high prevalence of both abnormal risk factor levels, as well as clinical evidence of early coronary artery disease (before age 50 years). These observations show that parents of children with high β- and/or pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol levels have greatly enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease, and children mirror their parents lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These observations emphasize the need for cardiovascular risk evaluation early in life, especially in high-risk families.