In fact, a majority of cases of heart disease are found in persons whose cholesterol levels are not worse than moderately elevated.
Cholesterol relates to coronary heart disease risk.
Since premature mortality from coronary arterial disease is rampant and since cholesterol levels are available as a test which can detect a modifiable risk factor, serum cholesterol remains an important screening test. Effective intervention is available when cholesterol studies identify subjects likely to benefit, asymptomatic persons as well as those with recognized coronary disease. Cholesterol is included in lipid profiles. For optimal prediction of coronary atherosclerosis, some do not regard cholesterol alone as an adequate evaluation of all adults' blood lipids. Cholesterol levels should not be drawn immediately after a myocardial infarct has occurred.