STUDY OF POST PRANDIAL HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA AS AN INDEPENDENT RISK FACTOR FOR ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE

Abstract

Background: While fasting lipid profiles are routinely used to assess cardiovascular risk, postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (PPHTG) is increasingly recognized as a potential independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD). This study aimed to evaluate the association between PPHTG and IHD in patients with normal fasting triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia among patients with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction (STEMI/NSTEMI) and to assess its correlation with anthropometric and metabolic risk factors. Methods: This hospital-based observational study included 100 patients with IHD (49 unstable angina, 51 STEMI/NSTEMI) who had normal fasting triglyceride (<150 mg/dL) and cholesterol (<180 mg/dL) levels. Postprandial lipid profiles were assessed 4 hours after a standardized meal. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected and analyzed. Logistic regression was used to evaluate PPHTG as an independent risk factor for IHD. Results: Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia was significantly more prevalent in STEMI/NSTEMI patients (74.5%) compared to unstable angina (53.1%) (p = 0.013). Mean postprandial triglyceride levels were significantly higher in STEMI/NSTEMI (267.2 ± 38.6 mg/dL) than in unstable angina (197.8 ± 32.4 mg/dL, p = 0.001). Logistic regression identified PPHTG as an independent risk factor for IHD (OR = 2.78; p = 0.013). Significant correlations were observed between PPHTG and both the waist-hip ratio and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia is independently associated with ischemic heart disease and may serve as a valuable tool for detecting hidden cardiovascular risk, especially in patients with central obesity or diabetes, even when fasting lipid levels are normal. Routine assessment of postprandial lipids could enhance cardiovascular risk stratification and preventive strategies.