Triglycerides
ICSI June 2006
Assmann, 1992; Drexel, 1994, Laakso, 1988

• the role of TG in the development of atherosclerosis remains unclear
• due to the inverse proportion between HDL and TG, it has been felt that hyperTG may be atherogenic only through low HDL
• in certain subgroups (ie, diabetics and women), studies suggest that hyperTG is an independent risk factor for atherogenesis
• current theory holds that hyperTG contributes to the formation of a subclass of LDL that is highly atherogenic
• the PROCAM study: in patients with LDL/HDL > 5, showed a significantly higher atherosclerotic even rate if TG > 200
• risk of pancreatitis increases with TG > 500 mg/dL and moreso with TG > 1000 mg/dl.

Primary Therapy

• Weight loss
• Stop smoking
• No alcohol
• DM control
• Therapeutic Lifestyle change
• Physical activity

Secondary Therapy

• Fibric Acids
• Niacin (can elevate FPG in pts with DM)
• Fish oil (EPA-DHA)