Does high triglyceride level indicate a risk for heart disease?

Asians, from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh are specially predisposed to high triglycerides. This may be the only abnormality that is detectable in these individuals and they have a particularly high risk of coronary artery disease.

In terms of cardiovascular disease prevention, triglycerides haven't gotten as much attention as "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, but research has shown that high triglyceride levels of 200 mg/dL or more (hypertriglyceridemia) can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

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The main form of stored fat -- both in the food we eat and in the body's adipose (fat) tissue -- is triglycerides. The chylomicron, the largest and least dense of the lipoprotein particles, carries most of the triglycerides in the bloodstream. In general, triglyceride levels have less impact on heart disease risk than do levels of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL). However, when triglyceride levels are very high, risk for heart disease does increase. People with low HDL cholesterol levels often have high triglycerides, and this combination seems an especially important predictor of heart disease risk.

In most cases the answer is yes.  Although triglycerides may not directly cause heart disease, high triglyceride levels often have an adverse effect on other lipoproteins that are associated with heart disease.  High triglycerides are most commonly associated with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney problems, inactivity, being overweight, certain medications or genetic abnormalities.  If your triglycerides are high it is important to see a health specialist who can work with you on lowering your triglycerides.