SERUM TRIGLYCERIDES AND CLINICAL BENEFIT IN LIPID-LOWERING TRIALS

Trial evidence shows that effective lowering of serum total cholestero l and particularly of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is imp ortant for the prevention of total mortality, coronary artery disease mortality, and major coronary events. The role of serum triglyceride r eduction in achieving clinical benefit is unclear and poorly documente d. On the other hand, no specific trials have studied the importance o f triglyceride lowering among patients with marked hypertriglyceridemi a. One of the problems in assessing patients with high serum triglycer ide levels may be the heterogeneous background of the molecular mechan isms that result in hypertriglyceridemia. (C) 1998 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.