epidemiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • triglyceride is independently related to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
  • the PROCAM study showed that triglyceride and LDL cholesterol are independently related to CHD risk - however the relation of triglyceride to CHD is only seen where the LDL/HDL ratio is high.
  • high triglyceride and low HDL concentrations have increased CHD risk.
  • high triglyceride may also contribute to coronary heart disease through influences on coagulation and fibrinolysis (by effects on factor VII).

Reference:

  • (1) Assmann MD et al.Relation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides to incidence of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (the PROCAM experience).Am J Cardiol (1992);70:733-37
  • (2) Bairak SP et al.Familial combined hyperlipidaemia and abnormal lipoprotein lipase.Arteriosclerosis Thromb (1992); 12:1176-83.