Abstract
Serum lipids were measured in 20 patients before and within one week following coronary artery bypass. The total serum cholesterol was decreased by 45%, while low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were reduced by 50% and 30%, respectively. Hemodilution for cardiopulmonary bypass temporarily lowers serum lipids, indicating that screening procedures for hyperlipidemia should not be performed immediately following cardiac operations.