APOC3 and atherosclerosis: • Heterozygous carriers of the null mutation of the gene encoding APOC3 expressed half the amount of APOC3 than noncarriers. Leading to lower fasting and postprandial serum triglycerides, lower levels of LDL-cholesterol and higher levels of HDL-cholesterol. Subclinical atherosclerosis was less common in carriers than noncarriers. Lifelong deficiency of APOC3 has a cardioprotective impact on carriers.39