New blood fat could be cause of heart disease

Researchers from Cambridge University looked at the role of triglycerides, which is derived from foods such as meat and dairy products and produced in the liver.

The study of 350,000 people from 101 previous studies found those with higher levels of the blood fat were more likely to have heart disease.

But experts have warned that more research is needed to confirm the link.

The analysis centred on a specific gene which is known to influence the levels of triglycerides, say the researchers.

They found that those with variation in the gene which boosted triglyceride levels had an 18% greater risk of heart disease than those that did not.

Lead researcher Dr Nadeen Sarwar said the findings suggested the blood fat could be causing heart disease in some way.

But he added further research involving the lowering of the levels of the blood fat was now needed to confirm the suspicion.

“Such trials should help establish whether the lowering triglyceride levels can reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Mike Knapton, of the British Heart Foundation, said: “It could yet prove to be an important step towards tackling cardiovascular disease but we mustn’t get ahead of ourselves.

“There still needs to be larger trials before we can know whether the lowering triglyceride levels can reduce heart disease risks.

“For now, people should continue to follow advice on diet, exercise, stopping smoking and medication which are still the best ways to tackle your heart disease risk.”

Dr Sonia Anand, of Canada’s McMaster University agreed.

“The true nature of triglycerides effect on coronary risk still needs further clarification.”

By Deepika Dudakia