Women also tend to have higher triglyceride levels. An elevated blood triglyceride level and lower HDL are often accompanied by an increase in LDL and total cholesterol. However, some people with this problem seem remarkably free from atherosclerosis. Thus elevated triglycerides, which are often measured along with HDL and LDL, may not directly cause atherosclerosis. But they may accompany other abnormalities that speed its development.
High levels are a large contributing factor in clogging arteries.