AHC (healthy individuals with
elevated cholesterol level (cholesterol > 200 mg/dl) with no established cardiovascular disease and under no treatment) and NC
(normal cholesterol level (cholesterol 200 mg/dl)). Subjects
enrolled in the study had no pathological underlying condition besides elevated cholesterol levels, and they were not taking any
medications. If their cholesterol status is not higher than AHC's
baseline level, they are not a sign of disease but are merely a risk
factor.