Aim To discuss the desirable and risk level of triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) in cardiovascular diseases. Methods Serum lipids of 2915 middle aged subjects of Beijing professional population were studied during annual physical surveys in year 2001. The effects of different levels of TG on HDLC and TG/HDLC ratio were analyzed statistically. Results HDLC level was relatively low as compared with that of the American whites, less then 5% in this studied group had HDLC below 0.9 mmol/L. According to our long term prospective study of the elderly, HDLC level above 1.03 mmol/L may be considered as desirable. Gradient increase in TG level was accompanied by progressive decrease in HDLC. While TG at 1.14 mmol/L, HDLC levels of both sexes were at desirable level, but with slight decrease in females when the TG level up to >1.7 mmol/L, marked decrease in both sexes when TG increased to>2.27 mmol/L. The acceptable TG/HDLC ratio was about 2 3 (by mg/mg). Conclusion According to this study and our previous experience, we propose that it may be appropriate to adopt the TG and HDLC level classification of ATPШ guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program of United States.