Raised blood fat levels tied to heart disease

London, May 7 (ANI): Raised levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat, may be an important cause of heart disease, new genetic research suggests.

To reach the conclusion, Cambridge University boffins looked at the role of triglycerides, which is produced in the liver and derived from foods such as meat and dairy products, the Lancet medical journal reported.

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

Lead researcher Dr Nadeem Sarwar said the findings suggested the blood fat could be causing heart disease in some way, reports The BBC.

"Such trials should help establish whether 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 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." (ANI)