Thrombophilia in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Hematology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Hypertriglyceridemia is a common metabolic condition.
• Its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is complex.
• The role of the coagulation system in hypertriglyceridemia-related CVD risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between hypertriglyceridemia and the coagulation system.
• To identify specific hemostatic factors affected by elevated triglyceride levels.
• To explore the implications for cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving hypertriglyceridemic subjects and normal controls in Taiwan.
• Prospective focus on the evolution of cardiovascular risk factors, emphasizing hemostatic factors.
• Measurement of coagulation parameters: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, factors VIIc, VIIIc, antithrombin-III, and plasminogen.

Main Results:

• Hypertriglyceridemic subjects exhibited elevated levels of factor VIIc, factor VIIIc, plasminogen, and antithrombin-III.
• These elevations were highly significant in females and significant in males.
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was not significantly reduced in either sex, and fibrinogen levels showed no statistically significant change.
• Associated metabolic risk factors included hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, upper body obesity, and elevated blood pressure.

Conclusions:

• Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with a hypercoagulable state.
• This hypercoagulability may contribute to increased cardiovascular mortality in hypertriglyceridemic individuals.
• Aggressive management of pronounced hypertriglyceridemia is warranted due to its link with a prothrombotic state.