The review presents an update on the composition, shape, structure, physicochemical properties that determine the functions of high-density lipoproteins (HDL); on the characteristics of their subfractions, proteome, lipidome, microcomponents that impart antiatherogenic properties to HDL due to their specific biological functions. In addition to reverse cholesterol transport, these functions include antioxidant effects, endothelial function regulation, and anti-inflammatory and antithrombogenic effects. The mediators of many HDL functions are a number of enzymes, receptors, other proteins and microcomponents that ensure the transmembrane transport of cholesterol, the activated proliferation of smooth muscle cells, their migration and secretory functions, which lead to stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. In epidemiological and clinical practice, the property of HDL to serve as an antirisk factor for cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis has been usually estimated from the plasma (serum) level of cholesterol of HDL that are included in the international guidelines for the prevention of these diseases as an independent antirisk factor of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, in recent decades, a number of epidemiological studies, in particular the joint Russian-US program, have shown that one population (the Russians) had higher CHD and overall mortality rates, despite the higher level of HDL cholesterol. To elucidate the reasons for these variations in HDL functions, basic studies of lipidome and proteome of HDL and a regulatory system of their functions have been extended in different countries. These studies have identified both the factors contributing to antiatherogenic effects and those having opposite (atherogenic) effects of HDL. The latter can be obviously considered to be atheromarkers of HDL. The results of the performed studies of the probable atheromarkers of HDL will be given in part 2 of this review.