The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a scientific statement on the role of triglycerides in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The statement, authored by a panel of experts, reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and causes of hypertriglyceridemia, and provides recommendations for its management. Key points include: 1. **Epidemiology**: Hypertriglyceridemia is prevalent in the United States, with 31% of adults having triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dL. Mexican Americans have the highest rates, followed by non-Hispanic whites and blacks. High and very high triglyceride levels (≥200 mg/dL and ≥500 mg/dL, respectively) are more common in Mexican American men and women. 2. **Pathophysiology**: Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) such as chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) can directly impact the atherosclerotic process. TRLs can produce proatherogenic responses in endothelial and monocyte/macrophage cells, leading to inflammation, adhesion molecule expression, and impaired vasodilation. 3. **Causes of Hypertriglyceridemia**: - **Familial Disorders**: Genetic syndromes like familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) and familial hypertriglyceridemia (FHGT) can cause elevated triglyceride levels. - **Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle**: Excess adiposity, particularly visceral fat, is associated with higher triglyceride levels. - **Lipodystrophic Disorders**: Both genetic and acquired lipodystrophies can lead to hypertriglyceridemia, often in association with low HDL-C. 4. **Management**: The statement emphasizes the importance of lifestyle interventions, including weight loss, dietary changes, and physical activity, to lower triglyceride levels. Pharmacological therapy may be necessary for severe cases. The AHA recommends that healthcare providers regularly assess and manage triglyceride levels to reduce the risk of CVD.The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a scientific statement on the role of triglycerides in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The statement, authored by a panel of experts, reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and causes of hypertriglyceridemia, and provides recommendations for its management. Key points include: 1. **Epidemiology**: Hypertriglyceridemia is prevalent in the United States, with 31% of adults having triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dL. Mexican Americans have the highest rates, followed by non-Hispanic whites and blacks. High and very high triglyceride levels (≥200 mg/dL and ≥500 mg/dL, respectively) are more common in Mexican American men and women. 2. **Pathophysiology**: Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) such as chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) can directly impact the atherosclerotic process. TRLs can produce proatherogenic responses in endothelial and monocyte/macrophage cells, leading to inflammation, adhesion molecule expression, and impaired vasodilation. 3. **Causes of Hypertriglyceridemia**: - **Familial Disorders**: Genetic syndromes like familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) and familial hypertriglyceridemia (FHGT) can cause elevated triglyceride levels. - **Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle**: Excess adiposity, particularly visceral fat, is associated with higher triglyceride levels. - **Lipodystrophic Disorders**: Both genetic and acquired lipodystrophies can lead to hypertriglyceridemia, often in association with low HDL-C. 4. **Management**: The statement emphasizes the importance of lifestyle interventions, including weight loss, dietary changes, and physical activity, to lower triglyceride levels. Pharmacological therapy may be necessary for severe cases. The AHA recommends that healthcare providers regularly assess and manage triglyceride levels to reduce the risk of CVD.