Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood and play a crucial role in energy storage and metabolism, but high levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Several studies have highlighted that elevated triglyceride levels contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, triglycerides are often associated with other metabolic issues like insulin resistance and obesity, which further complicate cardiovascular health.

Triglycerides are also significant in the context of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. High triglyceride levels can be an early indicator of this syndrome, making them useful for identifying individuals at higher cardiometabolic risk. Fasting, non-fasting, and postprandial (after-meal) triglyceride measurements are all valuable in assessing this risk.

While the connection between triglycerides and cardiovascular disease is well-established, the exact mechanisms and the best methods for managing high triglyceride levels are still areas of active research. The evidence base is robust but continues to evolve.

Sources

• Triglycerides and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: An update. (PMID:33546998)
• Triglycerides: A reappraisal. (PMID:28438398)
• Triglycerides and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. (PMID:30694827)
• The Role of Triglycerides in Atherosclerosis: Recent Pathophysiologic Insights and Therapeutic Implications. (PMID:38288833)
• Triglycerides and metabolic syndrome: from basic to mechanism - A narrative review. (PMID:39540905)
• Fasting, non-fasting and postprandial triglycerides for screening cardiometabolic risk. (PMID:34589207)

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