Elevated triglycerides and associated lipidological changes - small, dense LDL, residual
particles (remnants), reduced HDL cholesterol - are an important, independent cardiovascular
risk factor. In diabetes mellitus in particular, hypertriglyceridemia is regarded
as the main cause of the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Very high triglyceride
levels can cause acute pancreatitis. This article provides an overview of the current
scientific status of the pathogenesis and clinical significance of hypertriglyceridemia.
