Plasma apolipoproteins A-I and B in survivors of myocardial infarction and in a control group.

The values of apolipoproteins (apo) A-I and B were determined in a population sample of hospital outpatients with a standardized method to verify if the cutpoints calculated in a cross-sectional study in the US are usable with other populations. We also tested the apolipoproteins' ability to discriminate between healthy people and survivors of myocardial infarction. In the studied population the apo A-I value corresponding to the HDL-cholesterol decisional centile is 1.12 g/L for males and 1.17 g/L for females; the apo B value corresponding to the LDL-cholesterol decisional centile is 1.23 g/L for males and 1.14 g/L for females. These values are quite close to the cutpoints proposed for the American population (1.20 g/L for both apolipoproteins). In comparison with the LDL- and HDL-cholesterol decisional concentrations, the cutpoints for apolipoproteins allow a correct classification of a greater percentage of postmyocardial infarction patients (16% higher for apo B and 5% for apo A-I). Standardized assays coupled with a reference database allow a better clinical use of apolipoprotein measurements.