Risks and Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemias

lncreased triglyceride levels are frequently observed in patients with prior myocardial infarction and in those with cerebral or peripheral vascular disease. Current evidence suggests that triglycerides may not be independently associated with cardiovascular death. However, more recent studies carried out in western countries found that hypertriglyceridemia was a primary cardiovascular risk factor, independent of plasma cholesterol level. The present article reviews some of the current information relating triglyceride to the development of coronary artery disease, its role in lipid metaboIism and treatment.