Hypertriglyceridemia and elevated lipoprotein (a) are risk factors for major coronary events in middle-aged men

Cardiovascular risk factors were analyzed in 4,849 male participants, aged 40 to 65 years, in an 8-year follow-up of the Münster Heart Study (Prospective Cardiovascular Münster Study; PROCAM). One hundred eighty-one definite nonfatal myocardial infarctions, 49 fatal myocardial infarctions, and 28 sudden cardiac deaths were observed. Multiple logistic function analysis confirmed that age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, angina pectoris, and family history of myocardial infarction were important cardiovascular risk factors. Interestingly, this analysis revealed a significant and independent association between serum levels of triglycerides and the incidence of major coronary events. The relation between lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels and the occurrence of major coronary events was analyzed in a subgroup of 878 men. Thirty-three probands with major coronary events had significantly higher geometric mean levels of Lp(a) than 828 men who did not experience major coronary events (0.09 vs 0.05 g/L; p < 0.011). Thus, in addition to established risk factors, serum levels of triglycerides and Lp(a) are sensitive indicators of increased risk for major coronary events.