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Triglycerides and vascular risk: insights from epidemiological data and interventional studies
Konstantinos Tziomalos1, Vasilios G Athyros, Asterios Karagiannis
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London, UK.
Current Drug Targets
|April 10, 2009
Summary
Elevated triglyceride (TG) levels are increasingly recognized as independent vascular risk factors. Lowering TG may prevent vascular events, especially with optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Lipid Metabolism
- Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis
Background:
- The role of elevated triglyceride (TG) levels in atherosclerosis is debated.
- TG may directly contribute to vascular disease or serve as a marker for other risk factors.
- Laboratory TG measurements can exhibit significant variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the independent association of TG levels with vascular risk.
- To explore the potential of TG lowering as a therapeutic strategy.
- To identify optimal contexts for TG-targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of accumulating epidemiological data on TG levels and vascular risk.
- Analysis of interventional studies investigating TG-lowering interventions.
- Assessment of therapeutic strategies for managing TG levels.
Main Results:
- Epidemiological data indicate an independent association between TG levels and vascular risk.
- Interventional studies suggest TG lowering may reduce vascular events.
- TG appears to be a significant therapeutic target, particularly when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is optimally controlled.
Conclusions:
- Elevated TG levels represent an independent vascular risk factor.
- Lowering TG levels may be beneficial for preventing vascular events.
- Therapies targeting TG, such as statins, fibrates, or nicotinic acid, are valuable, especially in conjunction with optimal LDL-C management.
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