Hypertriglyceridemia: New insights and new approaches to pharmacologic therapy

A number of studies indicate that elevated triglyceride levels are an independent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. Although the National Cholesterol Education Program does not provide specific guidelines for therapy, management of hypertriglyceridemia should include lifestyle measures: if drug therapy is required, appropriate choices include nicotinic acid, fibrates, more potent statins. or combination therapy with a statin plus nicotinic acid or fibrates.