An internist's update on cholesterol management.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States. It is now well established that cholesterol is an important, reversible risk factor for CHD. This article provides a brief background on classification of the dyslipidemias, then discusses current recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of hyperlipidemia. Other risk factors currently being investigated as they relate to the development of CHD are discussed.