Hypertriglyceridemia and ASCVD Risk

Hyperlipidemia, elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream, comprises a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. While hypercholesterolemia, particularly high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, has traditionally received major attention in cardiovascular risk management, elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins also contribute importantly to ASCVD risk, especially in patients receiving current guideline-directed management of LDL.

Elevated triglyceride levels independently add to risk for ASCVD events, including heart attacks and strokes. Recent research has shown that elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins assessed by blood triglyceride concentration can contribute to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and the formation of small, dense LDL particles.

The residual risk of ASCVD events remains, despite achieving target cholesterol levels with statin and add-on therapies. Recent studies show that high levels of triglycerides contribute to this risk, indicating the importance of comprehensive lipid management for patients. These findings underscore the need to highlight triglyceride management in ASCVD risk reduction. And when lifestyle modifications do not suffice to control lipid levels, pharmacological interventions merit consideration. There remains a need for greater understanding and use of pharmacological interventions to lower triglyceride levels and for health care provider education aimed at increased awareness about the latest research findings toward this end.

Watch IAS’ new expert video series to better understand hypertriglyceridemia, its health implications and therapeutic options.

Session 1: An Introduction to Hypertriglyceridemia
Peter Libby, MD

Session 2: Health Implications of Hypertriglyceridemia
Michael Miller, MD

Session 3: Therapeutic Options for Hypertriglyceridemia
Viviane Z. Rocha, MD

The series was sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Amarin.