Low density lipoprotein cholesterol has been convincingly established as a major coronary heart disease risk factor by many epidemiologic studies, clinical trials, and experimental studies. A strong inverse association exists between high density lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary heart disease. However, the status of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and plasma triglyceride levels as independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease is less clear. Case control studies have shown a positive association between coronary heart disease and plasma levels of apoprotein B, the major protein on LDL particles, and an inverse relationship with apoprotein AI, the primary protein constituent of HDL particles. In fact, it has been proposed that plasma levels of the apoproteins may be stronger risk factors than lipid levels. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying variations in both lipoprotein and apoprotein levels among individuals is essential to elucidating the etiology of coronary heart disease in the general population.