By, Shawn P. O'Mailia, M.Ed., HFI, CSCS Triglycerides, fats that circulate in the blood stream, are cholesterol's poor cousins. Cholesterol gets all the attention. When people do hear about triglycerides they're likely to be confused. Recent studies have shed more light on these fats, suggesting that they may indeed pose a risk to the heart.
Triglycerides provide energy for the body.
The problem is that triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels tend to be inversely related-that is, a high triglyceride level is almost always accompanied by a low HDL level. Since low HDL is a known risk factor for CAD, it's hard to separate the effect of the elevated triglycerides. However, a well-done study published in Circulation in October supports the idea that a high triglyceride level is a strong marker for heart attacks, especially when considered along with HDL level. Additionally, increased blood thickness was found to increase the risk of CAD and death, independent of other coronary risk factors. The study followed 460 cardiac patients for 18 years.