Triglyceride Levels Continue to Rise in the United States Despite Increased Use of Cholesterol-Lowering M...( INDIANAPOLIS Nov. 11 /- HealthCor...),Health

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthCore, WellPoint's health outcomes research subsidiary, today presented the findings of a study [Abstract No: 3703], in collaboration with the National Lipid Association, that examined trends in major lipid types among American adults. The study findings, presented during the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Session in New Orleans, suggest that regardless of gains made by medications to control some lipids, triglycerides -- much like obesity and diabetes -- are on the rise.

"We're winning the LDL battle but we need to do the same with triglycerides to have a chance of defeating heart disease," said Mark J. Cziraky, lead investigator of the study and HealthCore president of research, development and operations.

Triglyceride levels have risen 12 percent while low density lipoprotein levels (LDL) have decreased by 15 mg/dL over the past three decades, according to the study.

High levels of triglycerides have been linked to the inflammation of the artery walls, increasing one's risk of heart disease and stroke. As the rate of abnormal triglycerides has increased, other factors such as obesity and diabetes have also increased. Through this study, HealthCore sought to understand the association between lipid trends and the increased use of cholesterol-lowering medications among U.S. adults.

"While it has been shown that the introduction of cholesterol-lowering medications have had a positive impact on total cholesterol and LDL levels in recent years, increases in triglycerides are troubling and must be explored," said Cziraky. "Our research set out to investigate changes in lipid levels over time and explore the potential impact of medication on various lipids in an effort to better understand and prevent heart disease in this country."

HealthCore's collaborative effort with the NLA analyzed adults aged 20 to 74 years who took the blood lipid examination as part of the Nation
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