Pharmacological management of high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Elevated serum triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are part of a metabolic syndrome that is increasingly being recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Several classes of pharmacological agents including fibrates, niacin and statins, can modify the triglyceride-HDL axis. Fibrates in particular have recently been shown in clinical trials not only to increase HDL, but also to reduce cardiovascular mortality in secondary prevention. More research is needed to further define the role of fibrates when used alone and in combination with statins in high-risk individuals.