The status of hypertriglyceridemia as a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

The three-decade long controversy surrounding the status of triglycerides as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease is presented. The studies that reported an association and the clinical trials of cholesterol-lowering medications are examined. Because of the inconsistency between the observational findings and the consistently negative clinical trial findings, treatment of isolated hypertriglyceridemia cannot be recommended at present.