Cited by 41Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular HealthLipid metabolism and disordersDiabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins

Beyond LDL-C: unravelling the residual atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk landscape—focus on hypertriglyceridaemia

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Bashir, Bilal, Schofield, Jonathan, Downie, Paul, France, Michael, Ashcroft, Darren M., Wright, Alison K., Romeo, Stefano, Gouni-Berthold, Ioanna +3 more·2024·Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

Abstract

Aims: Historically, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk profile mitigation has had a predominant focus on low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In this narrative review we explore the residual ASCVD risk profile beyond LDL-C with a focus on hypertriglyceridaemia, recent clinical trials of therapeutics targeting hypertriglyceridaemia and novel modalities addressing other residual ASCVD risk factors. Findings: Hypertriglyceridaemia remains a significant ASCVD risk despite low LDL-C in statin or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor-treated patients. Large population-based observational studies have consistently demonstrated an association between hypertriglyceridaemia with ASCVD. This relationship is complicated by the co-existence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Despite significantly improving atherogenic dyslipidaemia, the most recent clinical trial outcome has cast doubt on the utility of pharmacologically lowering triglyceride concentrations using fibrates. On the other hand, purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but not in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has produced favourable ASCVD outcomes. The outcome of these trials suggests alternate pathways involved in ASCVD risk modulation. Several other pharmacotherapies have been proposed to address other ASCVD risk factors targeting inflammation, thrombotic and metabolic factors. Implications: Hypertriglyceridaemia poses a significant residual ASCVD risk in patients already on LDL-C lowering therapy. Results from pharmacologically lowering triglyceride are conflicting. The role of fibrates and combination of EPA and DHA is under question but there is now convincing evidence of ASCVD risk reduction with pure EPA in a subgroup of patients with hypertriglyceridaemia. Clinical guidelines should be updated in line with recent clinical trials evidence. Novel agents targeting non-conventional ASCVD risks need further evaluation.

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Crossref · 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1389106

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  • Benefits of traditional TG-lowering agents in outcome studies appear limited to subgroups with high TG and low HDL-C.

    “Benefits in outcome studies appear limited to subgroups with high TG and low HDL-C, highlighting the complexity of translating TG reduction into ASCVD risk reduction [61, 74–77].”

    From Targeting Triglycerides in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Evidence, Mechanisms, and Emerging Therapies (2026) · cites this paper as [74]

    The Therapeutic targets > Fibrates section says cardiovascular benefits were greatest, and in meta-analyses observed only, in people with high TG and low HDL-C. But the paper does not extend that pattern to traditional TG-lowering agents as a whole: its Niacin section reports no benefit even in a high-TG, low-HDL-C trial, while its Omega 3 fatty acids section reports benefit in a trial with normal mean baseline TG. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Traditional TG-lowering agents, such as fibrates and niacin, have demonstrated inconsistent CVD benefits in randomized trials, even when lipid changes were robust.

    “Conversely, traditional TG-lowering agents, such as fibrates and niacin, have demonstrated inconsistent CVD benefits in randomized trials, even when lipid changes were robust.”

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Authors
Bashir, B., Schofield, J., Downie, P., France, M., Ashcroft, D. M., Wright, A. K., Romeo, S., Gouni-Berthold, I., Maan, A., Durrington, P. N., & Soran, H.
Affiliations
  • University of Manchester (GB)
  • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
  • Bristol Royal Infirmary (GB)
  • Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SE)
Corresponding author
Soran, Handrean
Venue
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
Published
2024-08-07
Volume
11
Pages
1389106-1389106
ISSN
2297-055X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4401403602
Cited by
40
References
183
Citations by year
2026: 21 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 4
FWCI
4.43
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
  • Research Explorer (The University of Manchester) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Wellcome Trust
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Lipid metabolism and disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins
Keywords
hypertriglyceridemia, residual cardiovascular risk, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, LDL-C lowering therapy, fibrates, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, triglyceride-lowering therapy, statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, low HDL cholesterol, atherogenic dyslipidemia, inflammation, thrombosis risk, metabolic risk factors

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