HDL as a Causal Factor in Atherosclerosis: Insights from Human Genetics

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are inversely related to risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, the simplistic assumption that HDL-C levels directly and causally impact atherogenesis has been challenged in recent years. The purpose of this article is to review the current state of knowledge regarding genetically determined HDL-C levels and ASCVD risk and determine what insight these studies provide into the causal relationship between HDL and atherosclerosis.