Genes May Link Triglycerides to Heart Risk

High levels of blood fats called triglycerides may increase the risk of heart disease, new research suggests. The study focuses on genes. Specifically, it looks at a gene mutation known to be linked to high triglyceride levels. The gene is called A5. Researchers analyzed data on more than 300,000 people from 101 previous studies. Triglyceride levels were 16% higher in people with one copy of the A5 gene. They were 32% higher in people with two copies. People with two copies also were 40% more likely to develop heart disease than people without the gene. Researchers reported their findings in the journal Lancet. HealthDay News wrote about the study May 6.