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How are high triglyceride levels associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease?

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The role of coronary artery disease in heart attack — cardiovascular disease This micrograph shows a cross section of a coronary artery narrowed by an atherosclerotic plaque (purplish matter inside the artery). Most heart attacks are caused by the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, which triggers the formation of a clot that abruptly blocks blood flow to part of the heart muscle.

High triglyceride levels are closely linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease primarily through their association with metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities—typically including insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol—that collectively increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.12

In the bloodstream, triglycerides are transported by very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles. Elevated levels of VLDL are considered an independent risk factor for heart disease and are frequently observed in individuals who are overweight, diabetic, or experiencing metabolic syndrome. While low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a primary target for intervention, maintaining a fasting triglyceride level below 150 mg/dl is a key component of a healthy lipid profile aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. Managing these levels through physical activity, weight reduction, and dietary changes is essential for mitigating the health risks associated with these interconnected conditions.31