Which abnormal lipid level can increasingly contribute to cardiovascular disease risk?

High triglyceride levels are increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease risk. Elevated triglycerides can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. The mechanism involves triglycerides being stored in adipose tissue and released into the bloodstream, where they can influence various pathways that promote inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and plaque formation in blood vessels.

In contrast, elevated HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels are generally considered protective against cardiovascular disease because HDL helps to transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for excretion. Low LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels are also seen as beneficial, as LDL is often referred to as "bad cholesterol," and lower levels reduce the risk of plaque buildup. Normal cholesterol levels themselves do not inherently contribute to cardiovascular risk unless combined with other abnormal lipid profiles or factors. Therefore, the elevation of triglycerides is particularly concerning when considering cardiovascular health.