In humans, cholesterol is acquired from dietary sources and is produced de novo in the liver, intestine, and various other tissues. Normally, the balance among cholesterol synthesis, dietary intake, and degradation is adequate to maintain healthy cholesterol plasma levels; however, in subjects with hypercholesterolemia, elevation in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol leads to atherosclerotic deposition of cholesterol in the arterial walls (atherosclerosis) and subsequent coronary heart disease. Thus, it has been established that lowering the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol plasma concentrations effectively reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Additional lipid risk factors for coronary heart disease include elevated triglyceride, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.