The key findings of this study were that: (a) the absolute counts of CD31+/42−, CD144, and CD62e, double-labelled with annexin V in patients with hypercholesterolemia were significantly raised when compared with age-matched normal controls; and (b) the EMP levels were inversely correlated with EDV, as assessed via PWA. The gene discussed is SELE; the disease is familial hypercholesterolemia.