Apolipoprotein B gene polymorphisms: prevalence and impact on serum lipid concentrations in hypercholesterolemic individuals from Brazil.

Genetic polymorphisms at the apolipoprotein B (apo B) have been associated with elevated plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, atherosclerosis and increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). In the present study, four apo B gene polymorphisms (MspI, XbaI, Ins/Del and 3'HVR) have been investigated to determine their frequencies and influence on the lipid profile of 177 hypercholesterolemic white Brazilian subjects (HG) and 100 control individuals (CG). The genotype distribution and allele frequency of MspI, XbaI and Ins/Del polymorphisms of apo B gene were similar between HG and CG groups. The frequency of the alleles smaller than 43 repeats (< or =43) of 3'HVR polymorphism in the HG group was higher when compared to controls (16.4 vs. 8.5%, P<0.05). Moreover, these alleles were associated with higher total cholesterol concentrations in serum of hypercholesterolemic individuals (P<0.05). In addition, an association between Ins/Del and 3'HVR polymorphism was observed. The alleles < or =43 and Del were more frequent in the HG when compared to the CG individuals (P<0.05). We concluded that 3'HVR polymorphism at the apo B gene may be an important genetic marker to evaluate atherosclerotic disease risk.

Seven DNA polymorphisms at the candidate genes of atherosclerosis in Brazilian women with angiographically documented coronary artery disease.

The possible association of genetic markers at the apolipoprotein E (HhaI polymorphism), apolipoprotein B (XbaI, EcoRI and Ins/Del polymorphisms), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (AvaII, HincII and PvuII polymorphisms) with coronary artery disease (CAD) was evaluated in 50 Brazilian women with CAD diagnosed by angiography and in 100 healthy women (controls). The frequency of E3/E4 genotype for HhaI polymorphism at the Apo E gene was significantly higher in CAD patients than in controls (40% vs. 14%, respectively, P<0.001). Similarly, the X-X- genotype for XbaI polymorphism was more frequent in CAD individuals than controls (42% vs. 12%, P<0.0001). The A+A+ and P1P1 genotypes for AvaII and PvuII polymorphisms at the LDLR locus were also higher in CAD subjects than controls (44% vs. 16%, P<0.001 and 64% vs. 39%, P<0.05, respectively). The estimated relative risks for CAD in women carrying the E3/E4, X-X-, A+A+ and P1P1 genotypes were 4.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.0-5.6], 5.3 (95% CI, 3.8-7.5), 4.1 (95% CI, 3.0-5.5), and 2.8 (95% CI, 2.2-3.6), respectively. This study demonstrates that Apo E, Apo B and LDLR gene polymorphisms are associated with CAD in Brazilian Caucasian women.

Pvu II intron 15 polymorphism at the LDL receptor gene is associated with differences in serum lipid concentrations in subjects with low and high risk for coronary artery disease from Brazil.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has a high prevalence in the Brazilian population. Nevertheless, studies of genetic risk factors for CAD in this country have not been sufficiently conducted. We used the Pvu II polymorphism (intron 15) at the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene to study the effect of variation at this locus in determining plasma lipid concentrations in 128 white subjects presenting a lipid profile suggesting high risk for CAD (HRG) and 100 white normolipidemic individuals (controls, CG). The Pvu II polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP. The P1P1 genotype for Pvu II polymorphism (homozygous for absence of restriction site) was greater in HRG individuals than in CG subjects (57% vs. 38%, P<0.05). Moreover, the P1P1 genotype was strongly associated with high concentrations of total cholesterol (P=0.0001), triglycerides (P=0. 0295), LDL-C (P=0.0001), and VLDL-C concentrations (P=0.0280) and lower HDL-C concentrations (P=0.0051) in HRG subjects. Similarly, the CG individuals with P1P1 genotype presented high concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-C compared to other genotypes (P=0. 0001). This study demonstrates the influence of Pvu II polymorphism of the LDLR on serum lipid concentrations of individuals with low and high risk for CAD from Brazil.

DNA polymorphisms of apolipoprotein B and AI-CII-AIV genes in a Brazilian population: a preliminary report.

Possible associations between coronary heart disease (CHD) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in the apo AI-CII-AIV cluster and the apo B gene were investigated in a Brazilian population consisting of 46 patients with CHD and 24 individuals without evidence of CHD. A preliminary genetic analysis of SstI RFLP in the apo AI-CII-AIV cluster showed a significantly higher frequency of the rare SstI allele (S2) in CHD patients as compared with controls. No significant differences were found in the frequencies of PstI RFLP in the apo AI-CII-AIV cluster or XbaI and EcoRI RFLPs in the apo B gene between CHD patients and controls. Moreover, no association was seen between the RFLPs studied and myocardial infarction or plasma cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Polymorphisms of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene in Brazilian individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a metabolic disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant trait characterized by an increased plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level. The disease is caused by several different mutations in the LDL receptor gene. Although early identification of individuals carrying the defective gene could be useful in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, the techniques available for determining the number of the functional LDL receptor molecules are difficult to carry out and expensive. Polymorphisms associated with this gene may be used for unequivocal diagnosis of FH in several populations. The aim of our study was to evaluate the genotype distribution and relative allele frequencies of three polymorphisms of the LDL receptor gene, HincII(1773) (exon 12), AvaII (exon 13) and PvuII (intron 15), in 50 unrelated Brazilian individuals with a diagnosis of heterozygous FH and in 130 normolipidemic controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood leukocytes by a modified salting-out method. The polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP. The FH subjects showed a higher frequency of A+A+ (AvaII), H+H+ (HincII(1773)) and P1P1 (PvuII) homozygous genotypes when compared to the control group (P<0.05). In addition, FH probands presented a high frequency of A+ (0.58), H+ (0.61) and P1 (0.78) alleles when compared to normolipidemic individuals (0.45, 0.45 and 0.64, respectively). The strong association observed between these alleles and FH suggests that AvaII, HincII(1773) and PvuII polymorphisms could be useful to monitor the inheritance of FH in Brazilian families.

[An evaluation of the efficacy and safety of pravastatin in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. A Brazilian open multicenter study]. / Avaliação da eficácia e segurança da pravastatina em portadores de hipercolesterolemia primária. Estudo aberto multicêntrico brasileiro.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pravastatin in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia PATIENTS AND METHODS: In an open-label multicenter uncontrolled study under the usual conditions of clinical practice 1,850 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia were submitted, after one month of placebo control and low fat/low cholesterol diet, to 12 weeks of treatment with pravastatin 10mg o.d. RESULTS: Significant reductions higher than 25% were obtained in plasma levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol associated with an increase > 10% in the HDL cholesterol plasma concentration in 51% of the patients. The individual results were classified as satisfactory (higher than 20% decrease) in 70% of the studied population. The compliance of pravastatin was excellent, since 118 patients (6.4%) developed adverse reactions, but interruption of the treatment was necessary in only 18 (0.9%); 9 patients due to muscular pain, 3 by gastrointestinal symptoms, 2 by cutaneous reactions and 4 due to general complaints. The clinical conditions of diabetes, obesity, hypertension did not modify the efficacy of the drug. Previous unsatisfactory hypolipidemic treatment did not alter the results of the efficacy. CONCLUSION: The satisfactory results in efficacy and safety and the facility of the pravastatin use, make this drug as a first line agent in the hypolipidemic treatment.

[Pravastatin: efficacy and safety in elderly patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Open multicenter study]. / Pravastatina: eficácia e segurança em hipercolesterolêmicos primários idosos. Estudo multiccentrico aberto.

PURPOSE: To analyze the response of hypercholesterolemic elderly patients to pravastatin. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty six primary hypercholesterolemics, 65 to 80 years of age, after ingesting a standard diet for four weeks, received 10mg of pravastatin for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Average reductions of 24% or more were observed for TC and LDL-C, and more than 60% of those reductions were considered good or excellent (above 20%). Increases in HDL-C (6.6%) and the reduction of TG (21.2%) were significant. Patients 65 to 70 years old compared to patients 71 to 80 years old did not show significant response differences, however, the 71 to 80 year old patients had smaller reductions in TC and LDL-C but greater increases in HDL-C. The drug was very well tolerated, with an incidence of adverse events of only 10.5%, none of which resulted in the discontinuation of drug administration. There were significant increases in hepatic enzymes (SGOT and SGTP), however the variations did not have clinical significance. For CK changes were not significant. CONCLUSION: Primary hypercholesterolemic elderly seem to respond to pravastatin in a similar way as middle age patients. The effects on the lipid fractions are significant, adverse effects are rare and the drug is very well tolerated. Thus it should be considered a first line hypolipidemic drug.

[Lipid profile of subjects undergoing coronary angiography in different Brazilian regions]. / Perfil lipídico de indivíduos submetidos à cinecoronariografia em diferentes regiões do Brasil.

PURPOSE: To analyse the lipid profile and also nonlipid risk factors (RF) in individuals < or = 65 years subjected to coronary angiography in four Brazilian regions. METHODS: We determined in mg/dL plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in 260 men and 144 women consecutively subjected to a first coronary angiography in 11 cardiologic centers of 4 Brazilian regions. We also analysed frequencies of hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, sedentary habits and family history. RESULTS: CAD patients exhibited higher mean values of TC, TG and LDL-C and lower of HDL-C and higher frequencies of undesirable values of those variables. CAD women > or = 50 yrs showed higher mean values of TC, HDL-C and LDL-C and higher frequencies of TC > or = 200 and LDL-C > or = 130 mg/dL. CAD men showed higher mean values of TG and lower of HDL-C. Higher mean values of TC were observed in CAD patients from Middle-West. Diabetes and smoking were more frequent in CAD; higher prevalence of diabetes was found in women > or = 50 yrs and of smoking in those < 50 yrs. No differences between CAD and control were observed regarding hypertension, sedentary habits, obesity and family history. CAD from South exhibited higher frequencies of smoking and family history and lower of sedentary habits. CONCLUSION: CAD exhibited differences on the lipid profile and on the prevalence of non lipid risk factor than controls. These differences were not similar in four Brazilian regions. This may reflect different lifestyles from region to region and probably depends on the different socio-economic and educational levels.

[Behavior of the arterial wall of non-selected rats, old and young, subjected to potentially atherogenic dietary factors]. / Comportamento da parede arterial de ratos não selecionados, idosos e jovens, frente a fatores dietéticos potencialmente aterogênicos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the arterial wall behaviour in old and young rats submitted to a ration containing atherogenic factors (cholesterol, dehydrocolic acid and vitamin D2). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 old male albino rats (approximately one year old) were grouped as follows: group 1, five control animals; group 2, five animals receiving a ration with cholesterol plus dehydrocolic acid; group 3, ten rats receiving an equivalent ration added to vitamin D2. Equivalent groups (4, 5 and 6), with an identical number, but younger animals (2 months old), were compared to the former. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated in the same way of groups 1, 2 and 3. After two months, all the groups were bled for cholesterol (CT), triglycerides and HDL dosage. Afterwards, they were sacrificed and the histopathological analysis of the aorta, heart, and lungs executed by the hematoxylin-eosin, Verhoeff and acetic orcein methods. RESULTS: Serum cholesterol (average) was 52 mg/dl in group 1 and 56.6 in group 4. Groups 3 and 6 presented about two times the serum cholesterol level observed in control groups and groups 2 and 5 three times control groups. When the old and young animals CT averages were compared, no significant differences were observed. However, when the influences of the atherogenic factors were analyzed, significant differences appeared; the simultaneous administration of dehydrocolic acid and cholesterol tripled the value of CT, and the use of vitamin D2, applied with other factors, raised CT only to the double. No atherosclerotic lesions were obtained but only Monckberg atherosclerosis lesions, sclerosis type (calcification of the medium stratum) in those animals who received vitamin D2. CONCLUSION: The arterial wall of non-selected old and young rats behaved equally when submitted to a ration containing cholesterol, dehydrocolic acid and vitamin D2. They developed calcified lesions of atherosclerotic type, in spite of a prolonged hypercholesterolemia.

[Anti-smoking intervention performed by cardiologists during ambulatory care]. / Intervenção sobre tabagismo realizada por cardiologista em rotina ambulatorial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nicotine patches as a strategy to help patients quit smoking in the cardiovascular clinic. METHODS: The population studied was composed of 100 patients (50 women and 50 men). The strategy included medical consultation, Fangerstron escore application and prescription of nicotine patches. Nicotine patches were continuously used for 8 to 12 weeks, with progressive concentration reduction releasing 21, 14, and 7 mg/day. RESULTS: The abstinence rate one year later was 41% confirmed by carbon monoxide exhaled air concentration. CONCLUSION: Nicotine patches are safe, and well tolerated and, for these reasons, should be more frequently prescribed by cardiologists to help patients quit smoking.

[Pregnancy in patient with familial hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis disease]. / Gestação em portadora de hipercolesterolemia familiar e doença aterosclerótica prematura.

Familiar xanthomatosis hypercholesterolemia in homozygous or heterozygous (two or more defects in LDL receptors) forms are rare. The cholesterol levels are frequently above 700 mg/dL. The management of these patients includes odd procedures, such as ileal bypass to control of levels of cholesterol. We present a case of pregnancy in patient with familiar hypercholesterolemia (FH) and coronary and cerebral atherosclerosis who had undergone ileal bypass, five years prior. During pregnancy, there were no clinical signs or symptoms related to coronary or cerebral atherosclerosis and we did not observe obstetric complications. Nevertheless, the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride increased significantly to 1182 mg/dL and 807 mg/dL. Face the unknown prognosis of this clinical situation we decided to hospitalize the patient and to prescribe prolonged rest, dietary measures and specific therapy. This approach permitted her to reach the end of pregnancy without maternal and fetal complications. The patient was submitted to cesarean section by obstetric reasons. The newborn was healthy but his levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were respectively, 339 mg/dL and 301 mg/dL. The success of this case does not allow the change in the recommendation of avoiding pregnancy in patients with severe FH.

[Precision and accuracy of blood lipid analyses by a portable device (Cholestech-LDX)]. / Precisão e exatidão das dosagens dos lípides sangüíneos em equipamento portátil (Cholestech-LDX).

PURPOSE: To verify whether precision and accuracy of lipids analyses by a new portable device, Cholestech-lipid desktop analyzer (LDX), were in agreement with the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). METHODS: Serum samples from 45 outpatients were collected for the determination of total Cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). These samples were analysed simultaneously by the Cholestech-LDX, and by the automatic enzymatic methods routinely used at the Heart Institute's laboratory. Precision was determined by repeating 20 times the evaluation of the same sample of venous blood. Accuracy was established confronting the values of the lipids variables obtained with Cholestech-LDX against the values determined by the automatic enzymatic routine. RESULTS: Accuracy for TC was 1.60% (NCEP < or = 3%), for HDL-C was -2.74% (NCEP < or = 6%) and for TG was 2.11% (NCEP < or = 5%). Precision for CT was 3.05% (NCEP < or = 3%), for HDL-C was 1.05% (NCEP < or = 6%) and for TG was 2.65% (NCEP < 5%). CONCLUSION: Precision and accuracy of lipids evaluation by the Cholestech-LDX are within the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Therefore the cholestech-LDX seems to be a reliable alternative to the conventional biochemical routine, allowing population screenings.

[Simvastatin (MK-733), a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in elderly patients with atherosclerosis]. / Sinvastatina (MK-733), novo inibidor da HMG-CoA redutase no tratamento da hipercolesterolemia do idoso com doença aterosclerótica.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of simvastatin, a new and potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in elderly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients, 14 female and 6 male, aged 65 to 72 years (x = 69 +/- 3), with total cholesterol (TC) above 260 mg/dl and triglycerides below 350 mg/dl were studied. All patients presented clinical evidences of atherosclerotic disease and were followed up for 6 months. Monthly visits were required for clinical and laboratory evaluation. The initial dosage of simvastatin was 10 mg/day; dosage was titrated up to 10 mg/day or to a minimum of 5 mg/day in intervals of at least 4 weeks, in order to maintain LDL-cholesterol below 140 mg/dl. To evaluate the changes on plasma lipid levels, the mean value of determinations during the placebo baseline period was compared to the mean value of determinations during the active treatment period. RESULTS: There were significant reductions of total cholesterol (-26.4%), triglycerides (-16.0%), LDL-cholesterol (-35.2%), VLDL-cholesterol (-15.4%), TC/HDL-C (-30.7%), and LDL/HDL-C (-39.5%). There was significant elevation of HDL-cholesterol (+5.2%), although this response was not uniform. The drug was well tolerated: only five patients reported transient clinical adverse experiences that subsided spontaneously. Two patients had elevation of CPK and one of TGP. The drug did not have to be discontinued in any case. Ophthalmological examinations performed before treatment compared to examinations at the end of the study showed no signficant alterations. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin in elderly patients appeared to be a potent TC and LDL-C lowering drug and presented mild but significant effect on the elevation of HDL-C. There was good tolerability, with low incidence of adverse experiences. This fact is important when one considers drug therapy for hypercholesterolemia in this age group.

[Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in physicians. Preliminary data from the VIDAM Project of the Paulista Medical Association]. / Fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares em médicos. Dados preliminares do projeto VIDAM da Associação Paulista de Medicina.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency and other characteristics of some cardiovascular risk factors among physicians of São Paulo State, Brazil. METHODS: From a questionnaire, 1395 voluntary physicians answered questions about personal and familial cardiovascular disease and risk factors, and blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, glucose, height and weight were recorded. RESULTS: The frequency of familial history of ischemic heart disease was 24.4%; positive personal antecedent of hypercholesterolemia, 12.4%; serum total cholesterol > or = 240 mg/dl, 14.3%; positive personal antecedent of hypertension, 8.4%; systolic blood pressure > or = 140 mmHg or diastolic > or = 90 mmHg, 23.8%; current cigarette smokers, 17.4%; prior cigarette smokers, 19.1%; positive personal antecedent of diabetes, 0.8%; serum glucose > 120 mg%, 7.7%; sedentarism, 37%, and obesity, 17.2%. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking was the only risk factor that was taken in account with emphasis by the physicians of São Paulo State in order to prevent themselves from cardiovascular disease.

Clinical outcome of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease undergoing partial ileal bypass surgery.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is characterized by high serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. It may be homozygous or heterozygous. In homozygous patients, LDL-cholesterol levels range from 500 to 1000 mg/dL and coronary artery disease is precocious, usually manifesting itself between the 2nd and 3rd decades of life. The diagnosis is often made by the presence of xanthoma tuberosum and tendinous xanthomas that appear between the 1st and 2nd decades of life. The use of high doses of statins or even unusual procedures (apheresis, partial ileal bypass surgery, liver transplantation, gene therapy), or both, is necessary for increasing survival and improving quality of life, because a reduction in cholesterol levels is essential for stabilizing the coronary artery disease and reducing xanthomas. We report our experience with 3 patients with xanthomatous familial hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease, who underwent partial ileal bypass surgery. Their follow-up over the years (approximately 8 years) showed a mean 30% reduction in total cholesterol, with a significant reduction in the xanthomas and stabilization of the coronary artery disease.

[Randomized, double-blind comparative study between pravastatin and lovastatin. Evaluation of efficacy and safety]. / Estudo comparativo duplo-cego, randomizado entre pravastatina e lovastatina. Análise da eficácia e segurança.

PURPOSE: To verify eventual difference observed in the efficacy and safety of lovastatin (L) when compared to pravastatin (P), considering increasing doses up to the maximum and recommended ones in clinical practice. METHODS: Forty-eight hypercholesterolemic patients (LDL-C > 160 mg/dl after a placebo seven-day period) were studied and randomly assigned to constitute groups of 24 patients (GL and GP groups). The patients from GL group received L 20 mg/day and those from GP group P 10 mg/day, in a double-blind fashion. Six and 12 weeks later, the those were doubled. At the end of the placebo period and at weeks 6, 12 and 18 they were evaluated for clinical data and laboratorial parameters, such as: lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C); enzymes AST, ALT, CPK, gamma-GT, alkalin phosphatase); biochemical data (urea, creatinine, bilirubin, uric acid, glucose); complete blood count and urinalysis. RESULTS: Both drugs have shown significant reductions in TC and LDL-C levels at the lowest clinical doses (L 20 mg/day; P 10 mg/day), which became more marked as doses were gradually increased. However, the responses were always significantly greater for L in all doses employed. No adverse effects requiring treatment discontinuation were observed for both drugs. CONCLUSION: L showed a higher TC and LDL-C lowering effect than that observed with P, when the doses recommended by the respective manufacturers were compared.

[Hemodynamic study at the bedside of patients with acute myocardial infarction over 60 years of age]. / Estudo hemodinâmico à beira do leito em portadores de infarto agudo do miocárdio com mais de 60 anos de idade.

Aiming to study the hemodynamic behavior of the aged during the first 36 hours after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 41 patients of at least 60 years at age (63.3 +/- 3) were submitted to a bedside hemodynamic study, through a Swan-Ganz catheter. The results obtained for the different variables (right atrial pressure, right ventricular pressure, pulmonary-arterial pressure, pulmonary-capillary, cardiac index, systolic index, left and right ventricular performance, and systemic pulmonary-arterial resistance) were compared to those of 39 individuals with age less than 60 years (49.6 +/- 1.5). It was also considered the electrocardiographic localization of the infarcted area. Eventual differences in the distribution of frequency of the individuals were also investigated, considering the four clinical-hemodynamic groups proposed by Forrester. Upon separate analysis of the hemodynamic variables, the results did not reveal significant differences between the younger and the older. However, by Forrester's classification, it was observed a significantly higher number of aged patients in group III (hypovolemic). Therefore, there was a tendency in the aged to present hypovolemia during the first 36 hours after myocardial infarction. The difficulties to recognize this status clinically and its prognostic importance justify the performance of hemodynamic bedside study in elderly with acute myocardial infarction with hemodynamic instability.

[Prevalence of primary dyslipidemia in subjects with and without family history of coronary disease, based on the reference values of the "National Cholesterol Education Program" (NCEP)]. / Prevalência de dislipidemias primárias em indivíduos com e sem história familiar de coronariopatia, tendo como referência os valores do "National Cholesterol Education Program" (NCEP).

PURPOSE--To compare the prevalence of primary dyslipidemia in 2 groups, based on NCEP guidelines: a) first degree relatives of revascularized patients and b) hospital employees without family history of coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS--1162 subjects aged over 20 years, were divided in two groups: G Fam consisted of 312 women and 221 men, mean age 30.8 years, siblings, brothers or sisters of revascularized patients (under 55 years old); G Serv consisted of 425 women and 204 men, mean age 30.7 years, all of them being healthy employees of Hospital das Clínicas (Clinics Hospital) with no family history of CHD. There were performed clinical, electrocardiographic and laboratory tests (total blood cholesterol--CT, triglycerides--TG and HDL cholesterol--HDL-C): and VLDL-C and LDL-C values were calculated according to Friedwald, besides CT/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios. Based on NCEP guidelines, the frequencies on values ranges for each parameter were determined. RESULTS--G Fam group showed a higher incidence of women and men with CT and LDL-C levels above 240 mg/dl and 160 mg/dl, respectively; CT/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C values over 5.0 and 3.5, respectively, were seen more often in G Fam group. There were no significant differences on HDL-C and TG. About 35% of men and women in G Serv group showed CT levels higher than 200 mg/dl. CONCLUSION--First-degree relatives, aged over 20 years, from revascularized patients under 55 years old, showed more often lipid levels above those established by NCEP. In accordance to them, 62% of men and 28% of women of this group should undergo to LDL-C analysis, as well as 35% of men and 28% of women in teh G Serv group. It is called the attention for the importance of cholesterolemia evaluation in high risk groups for CHD.