Is triglyceride therapy worth the effort?

A scientific statement from the American Heart Association notes that triglyceride levels are an important biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk. Although as yet there is no evidence that lowering elevated triglyceride levels reduces cardiovascular risk, the statement recommends that patients undertake weight loss and dietary changes if fasting levels exceed 150 mg/dL, and that the intensity of these lifestyle measures be increased with higher triglyceride levels. Aerobic activity at least twice a week is also encouraged. Drug therapy is indicated for levels exceeding 500 mg/dL because of an association with pancreatitis.