Triglycerides and Residual Atherosclerotic Risk in participants with normal LDL-C levels

Background: Even when low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are lower than guideline thresholds, a residual risk of atherosclerosis remains. It is unknown whether triglyceride (TG) levels are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation regardless of LDL-C. Objectives: This study sought to assess the association between serum TG levels and early atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation in apparently healthy individuals. Methods: An observational, longitudinal, and prospective cohort study, was conducted in 3,754 middle-aged individuals with low to moderate cardiovascular risk from the study group called Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis who were consecutively recruited between June 2010 and February 2014. Peripheral atherosclerotic plaques were assessed by 2-dimensional vascular ultrasound, and coronary artery calcification (CAC) was assessed by non-contrast computed tomography, whereas vascular inflammation was assessed by fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography. Results: Atherosclerotic plaques and Coronary Artery Calcification were observed in 58.0% and 16.8% of participants, respectively, whereas vascular inflammation was evident in 46.7% of evaluated participants. After multivariate adjustment, TG levels ≥150 mg/dl showed significant association with subclinical noncoronary atherosclerosis. This association was significant for groups with high LDL-C and normal LDL-C. No association was found between TG level and CAC score. TG levels ≥150 mg/dl were significantly associated with the presence of arterial inflammation Conclusions: In individuals with low to moderate cardiovascular risk, hypertriglyceridemia was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation, even in participants with normal LDL-C levels. •Disclaimer: Lupin makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any scientific information shared by the HCP on the ­­­STAR UPDATE podcast. You should not allow the contents of this to substitute for your own medical judgment, which you should exercise in evaluating the information on this website.