Hyperlipoproteinemic states and ischemic heart disease.

Ischemic heart disease and contributing risk factors such as the hyperlipoproteinemic states affect a great percentage of the general population. Because these disease processes can effectively place patients at risk for a life-threatening event, every health care provider must be knowledgeable, disciplined to take a thorough medical history, and prepared for emergency situations that may arise in the clinical practice of dentistry. A proactive approach to identification of risk factors and to primary prevention of ischemic heart disease not only helps to lengthen and improve the quality of patient's lives, but also ensures that necessary modifications of treatment reflect each patient's medical and pharmacologic status.