Hypertriglyceridemia: New insights and new approaches to pharmacologic therapy

A number of studies indicate that elevated triglyceride levels are an indep endent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. Although the National Cholesterol Education Program does not provide specific guidel ines for therapy, management of hypertriglyceridemia should include lifesty le measures: if drug therapy is required, appropriate choices include nicot inic acid, fibrates, more potent statins. or combination therapy with a sta tin plus nicotinic acid or fibrates.