High-density lipoprotein and atheroma monitoring.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight the use of arterial wall imaging to evaluate the impact of therapies that promote high-density lipoproteins.

RECENT FINDINGS

High-density lipoproteins possess a number of biological properties, which have a direct impact on the extent and composition of atherosclerosis. Arterial wall imaging has been employed to demonstrate the beneficial influence on atherosclerosis of a number of therapeutic agents that modify high-density lipoprotein.

SUMMARY

Atheroma imaging has become an integral component of the clinical development of novel therapeutic agents designed to promote the atheroprotective activity of high-density lipoprotein.