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Biomarkers

Triglycerides

DETriglyzeride

Triglycerides are the main way your body stores fat, from your diet and from what your body makes. They travel in your blood inside fat-carrying particles. The main ones are VLDL, chylomicrons, IDL, and their remnants. Fasting triglycerides climb with insulin resistance, too many refined carbs, alcohol, and metabolic syndrome. High levels mean more of those triglyceride-rich 'remnant' particles. And the cholesterol they carry (remnant cholesterol) is a proven cause of artery disease, shown by Mendelian randomization. Lower fasting triglycerides go with better insulin sensitivity and lower heart risk.

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This definition is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a doctor about any health decisions. Read our full medical disclaimer

Sources

  1. Miller M, Stone NJ, Ballantyne C, Bittner V, Criqui MH, Ginsberg HN, et al.. (2011). Triglycerides and cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. *Circulation*doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e3182160726
  2. Triglyceride Coronary Disease Genetics Consortium and Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration. (2010). Triglyceride-mediated pathways and coronary disease: collaborative analysis of 101 studies. *Lancet*doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60545-4
  3. Varbo A, Benn M, Tybjærg-Hansen A, Jørgensen AB, Frikke-Schmidt R, Nordestgaard BG. (2013). Remnant cholesterol as a causal risk factor for ischemic heart disease. *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2012.08.1026