1. A 45 years old man presents with the following lipid profile

Total Cholesterol – 150 mg/dL
HDL – 55 mg/dL
Triglycerides – 354 mg/dL

The following comorbid conditions - if present would warrant lipid lowering treatment for the lipid abnormality except:

1. strong family history of coronary artery disease
2. diabetes mellitus
3. Chronic stable angina
4. Unstable angina.

Answer: The indications for treatment of isolated hypertriglyceridemia include overt CHD, a strong family history of CHD, and multiple coexisting cardiac risk factors. Diabetes mellitus per se is not a reason for treating isolated hypertrigleridemia with lipid lowering therapy. Control of sugar levels itself improves the triglyceride levels. So the answer is b.