[The optimum serum cholesterol level. Preface].

The purpose of this forum is set to discuss about serum total cholesterol, especially. (1) Which values should be targetted for the start of therapy, drug administration? (2) Which upper and lower limited values are important for prophylactic purpose of coronary insufficiency? (3) Are there any changes seen in long term determined values of Japanese? etc. Various interesting facts motivated us to held this forum such as increase in total cholesterol due to high cholesterol foods in take among Japanese, difference in values, which has been employed as a group reference values in laboratories, and so-called desirable values. Twenty or thirty years ago, normal values of 130-230 mg/dl were decided with an agreement. However, these days, groups with mean values reaching to 250 mg/dl are reported. On the other hand, patients with coronary arteriosclerosis increase steadily and it is required strongly to popularize the desirable values for prophylactic purpose. As all presenters are experts in this field, we expect to get the conclusion around the subjects.