The Effect of Elevated Triglycerides on the Onset and Progression of Coronary Artery Disease: A Retrospective Chart Review

Background. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association did not indicate a correlation between treating hypertriglyceridemia and reducing cardiovascular events. Objective. This study investigated whether patients with hypertriglyceridemia were more prone to worse outcomes during cardiac catheterization. Methods. Data collected over a one-year period analyzed lipid panels obtained at the time of cardiac catheterization. Triglyceride levels were categorized into three groups: <150 mg/dL, 150 mg/dL–300 mg/dL, and >300 mg/dL. Controlled variables included age, gender, the presence of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and history of coronary artery disease. Results. Subjects with a triglyceride level <150 mg/dL have a 54% likelihood of being treated medically compared to 38% and 41% in the 150 mg/dL–300 mg/dL and >300 mg/dL groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Subjects with a triglyceride level >300 mg/dL have a 20% percent chance of being treated with a coronary artery bypass graft compared to 12% and 15% in the <150 mg/dL and 150 mg/dL–300 mg/dL groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Subjects with a triglyceride level between 150 and 300 mg/dL have a 44% percent of being treated with a percutaneous coronary intervention compared to 34% and 43% in the <150 mg/dL and >300 mg/dL groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusion. Hypertriglyceridemia was associated with worse outcomes in percutaneous coronary intervention or surgery.