[Hypertriglyceridemia as a cause of atherosclerosis]

Many observational studies have investigated whether elevated levels of serum triglyceride are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. The results of these studies have been inconsistent. Recently, however, evidences are accumulating to suggest that hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. Elevated levels of serum triglyceride are associated with four pathogenic conditions which are considered to accelerate atherosclerosis. These are decreased serum HDL cholesterol levels, increased remnant lipoproteins, increased small dense LDLs, and increased thrombogenic conditions. The results of primary and secondary prevention studies support the concept that some types of hypertriglyceridemia will be the cause of atherosclerosis.