The class of recommendation indicates the strength of recommendation, encompassing the estimated magni- tude and certainty of benefit in proportion to risk. The level of evidence rates the quality of scientific evidence supporting the intervention on the basis of the type, quantity, and consistency of data from clinical trials and other sources (Table 2).S1.5-1 Abbreviation Meaning/Phrase ABI ankle-brachial index ACS acute coronary syndrome AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome apoB apolipoprotein B ARR absolute risk reduction ASCVD atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease CAC coronary artery calcium CHD coronary heart disease CK creatine kinase CKD chronic kidney disease COR Class of Recommendation CTT Cholesterol Treatment Trialists CVD cardiovascular disease eGFR estimated glomerular filtration rate FH familial hypercholesterolemia HDL high-density lipoprotein HF heart failure HIV human immunodeficiency virus LDL-C low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LOE Level of Evidence Lp(a) lipoprotein (a) MI myocardial infarction PCE pooled cohort equations QALY quality-adjusted life-year RA rheumatoid arthritis RCT randomized controlled trials RRR relative risk reduction RWI relationships with industry and other entities SAMS statin-associated muscle symptoms SR systematic review TC total cholesterol VLDL very low-density lipoprotein VLDL-C very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 2. HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL AND ASCVD 2.1. Serum Cholesterol, Lipoproteins, and ASCVD 2.1.1. Cholesterol, Lipoproteins, and Apolipoprotein B Serum cholesterol and its lipoprotein carriers (LDL, very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL], and HDL) are known to be related to ASCVD. LDL-C is the dominant form of atherogenic cholesterol. VLDL is the chief carrier of triglycerides, and VLDL cholesterol (VLDL-C) is also ath- erogenic. HDL-C is seemingly not atherogenic. Chylo- microns transport dietary fat; chylomicron atherogenici- ty is uncertain. The combination of LDL-C and VLDL-C is called non HDL-C and is more atherogenic than either lipoprotein alone. 