Serum triglycerides and risk of cardiovascular disease

Dyslipidemia, especially elevated serum levels of cholesterol, is causally related to cardiovascular disease. The specific role of triglycerides has long been controversial. In this article we discuss the role of serum triglycerides in relation to the risk of cardiovascular disease. First, the (patho)physiology of triglycerides is described, including the definition and a short summary of the primary and secondary causes of hypertriglyceridemia. Furthermore, we will give an overview of the published epidemiological studies concerning hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular disease to support the view that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins are an independently associated risk factor. Finally, treatment strategies and treatment targets are discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Triglyceride Metabolism and Disease.

► Triglycerides can be increased by hepatic oversecretion and/or impaired removal.
► Environmental factors can induce severe hypertriglyceridemia.
► Non-HDL-cholesterol or apoB should be targets for cardiovascular risk management.
► The value of fibrates must be tested in the right selected patient groups.