4 Genes Linked to High Triglycerides

People with high triglycerides are more likely to have specific variations in four genes, a study finds. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. They are measured as part of the standard “cholesterol panel” of blood tests. Very high levels can make the blood pinkish, like cream of tomato soup. The new study looked at genes for 555 people with high triglycerides and 1,300 people with normal levels. People with high triglycerides were more likely to have common variations in four genes. They were also more likely to have rare variations in the same genes. Researchers said the gene combination may help to cause the condition. Research results were published in a letter to the journal Nature Genetics. The Vancouver Sun wrote about the study July 25.