Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025
07:57
Assessing Whole-Body Lipid-Handling Capacity in Mice
Published on: November 24, 2020
4.3K
Triglycerides and Residual Atherosclerotic Risk
Sergio Raposeiras-Roubin1, Xavier Rosselló2, Belén Oliva3
1National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Cardiology, Álvaro Cunqueiro University Hospital, Vigo, Spain. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/Borjaibanez1.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|June 18, 2021
Summary
High triglyceride levels are linked to early atherosclerosis and arterial inflammation, even when LDL-C is normal. This indicates a residual cardiovascular risk that warrants further investigation and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular disease research
- Atherosclerosis and inflammation studies
- Lipid metabolism and vascular health
Background:
- Residual cardiovascular risk persists despite low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) below guideline thresholds.
- The association between triglyceride (TG) levels and subclinical atherosclerosis or vascular inflammation, independent of LDL-C, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum TG levels and early signs of atherosclerosis.
- To assess the link between TG levels and vascular inflammation in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of 3,754 middle-aged individuals with low to moderate cardiovascular risk (Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis [PESA] study).
- Assessment of peripheral atherosclerotic plaques via ultrasound, coronary artery calcification (CAC) by computed tomography, and vascular inflammation using positron emission tomography (PET).
Main Results:
- Elevated TG levels (≥150 mg/dl) were associated with subclinical noncoronary atherosclerosis (OR: 1.35) and arterial inflammation (OR: 2.09).
- This association was significant in both high and normal LDL-C groups.
- No association was found between TG levels and coronary artery calcification (CAC).
Conclusions:
- Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation in individuals at low to moderate cardiovascular risk.
- These findings highlight the importance of TG levels in assessing cardiovascular risk, even with normal LDL-C.
- Further research may inform targeted interventions for managing TG-related vascular risk.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
87
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
87
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
388
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...
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...
388
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
283
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
283
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
887
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...
887
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
1.1K
Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
1.1K
01:18Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
1.4K
Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ...
1.4K