Triglycerides: how much credit do they deserve?

Payal Kohli1, Christopher P Cannon

  • 1TIMI Study Group, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. pkohli@partners.org

Insights

Despite statin therapy, elevated triglycerides (TGs) contribute to persistent cardiovascular risk. This review examines TG mechanisms, measurement challenges, and their link to heart disease morbidity and mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Statin therapy has advanced coronary heart disease treatment.
  • Residual cardiovascular risk persists despite statin use.
  • Elevated triglycerides (TGs) are linked to this residual risk and atherogenic dyslipidemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of elevated TGs.
  • To discuss challenges in measuring TGs as a biomarker.
  • To elucidate the relationship between TGs and cardiovascular outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies.
  • Analysis of TG measurement challenges.
  • Discussion of TG's role in atherosclerotic pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Elevated TGs are a significant factor in residual cardiovascular risk.
  • TG measurement presents unique biomarker challenges.
  • Recent studies confirm the association between TGs and cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding TG mechanisms is crucial for managing residual cardiovascular risk.
  • Improved TG assessment may enhance cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.
  • Targeting TGs could mitigate atherosclerosis progression and improve patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules01:06

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules01:06

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
Structure of Lipids03:38

Structure of Lipids

Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic birds and...
Structure of Lipids03:38

Structure of Lipids

Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic birds and...
Structure of Lipids03:38

Structure of Lipids

Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic birds and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...