Triglycerides and Cardiovascular Outcomes-Can We REDUCE-IT ?

Abstract

The causal linkage between triglycerides and coronary artery disease has been controversial. Most of the trials hitherto have shown marginal or no beneficial effects of reduction of triglycerides (with fibrates) on top of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction. But a significant residual cardiovascular risk remains even after use of high dose of statins. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels and some old trials have shown the benefits of fish oils in reducing cardiovascular events. However, barring a few trials most of the large trials of omega-3 fatty acids are negative. Recently, few large trials have been conducted to see the effects of high dose omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes and some of them have shown promising results on top of LDL reduction.