Mendelian randomization data strongly suggest that hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) causes atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and so triglyceride (TG) level-lowering treatment in HTG is now more strongly recommended to address the residual ASCVD risk than has been the case in (generally earlier) published guidelines. Fibrates are the best-established agents for TG level lowering and are generally used as first-line treatment of TG levels greater than 500 mg/dL. Statins are the best-established agents for ASCVD prevention, and so are usually used as first-line treatment of TG levels less than 500 mg/dL.
Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular disease; Hypertriglyceridemia; Triglycerides.
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