Abstract
Residual cardiovascular risks under statin therapy suggest the need to develop additional therapeutic approach to further improve cardiovascular outcomes. Epidemiological and intravascular imaging studies have revealed the relationship of these lipid targets with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, indicating triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as potential targets for achieving better clinical outcomes. However, clinical efficacy of lowering triglyceride and raising HDL-C level has not been established yet. Although findings from clinical trials testing novel agents targeting these lipid markers are disappointing, further search still continues to identify effective therapeutic approach due to their anti- or pro-atherogenic properties. Intravascular imaging modality has contributed to the elucidation of disease mechanism and the evaluation of novel drugs modulating triglyceride and HDL-C. In this review, anti- or pro-atherogenic properties of triglyceride and HDL-C, its association with clinical outcomes and atherosclerotic plaques will be summarized.
