[Increased triglycerides and/or low HDL cholesterol. A risk factor needing treatment?]

Elevated LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is considered an established risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic sequelae. In this context, low HDL cholesterol and/or raised triglyceride levels are now also receiving increasing attention as independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. The protective HDL cholesterol should be as high as possible (> 40 mg/dl or 1.0 mmol/l). Low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased coronary risk that cannot be eliminated by lowering LDL cholesterol concentrations. Measures to elevate HDL are primarily dietary adjustments, cessation of smoking, weight reduction and increased physical activity. Triglyceride levels above 1000 mg/dL are also associated with an increased risk for the development of pancreatitis, and therefore also need to be treated.