Patrick Couture,MD, FRCP(C), PhD, Lipid Research Center, Laval University Medical Center, Laval,QC.
Nancy Gilbert, RN, Lipid Research Center, Laval University Medical Center, Laval,QC.
Several lines of evidence suggest that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins contribute significantly to the development of atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between cardiovascular disease and plasma levels of triglyceride remains complex due to the presence of two major confounders: (1) the inverse relationship between plasma triglyceride levels and highdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol and (2) the heterogeneity in triglyceriderich lipoprotein size, number, and composition between individuals. Plasma apo-B measurement is recommended for patients with high triglyceride levels to identify their risk category.The goals of lipidmodifying therapy for these patients are to reduce the atherogenic lipoprotein number and to increase HDL particle number.
Keywords: triglyceride, lipoprotein, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cholesterol.
