The relationship between gout and coronary disease is controversial. We studied the distribution of cholesterol among lipoprotein fractions separated by ultracentrifugation in a group of 29 gouty men and 34 healthy controls, matched by age, weight and serum glucose. Our results showed that patients had significantly higher serum triglycerides and cholesterol-VLDL and lower total cholesterol and cholesterol in LDL and HDL fractions. The comparison of both groups separated by weight and alcohol intake showed similar results. The cholesterol-LDL/cholesterol-HDL ratio was not significantly different between the groups. Based on these results, we conclude that our group of gouty patients may not be at greater risk of coronary disease than a similar control population.