Associations between postprandial triglyceride concentrations and sex, age, and body mass index: cross-sectional analyses from the Tromsø Study 2015-2016

Abstract

Background: Lipid abnormalities, such as elevated triglyceride concentration, increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis, the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. Blood samples for analyzing lipid profiles have generally been preferred taken in a fasting state, but studies show that postprandial triglyceride concentrations also can contribute to predict cardiovascular risk, and even act as a stronger risk factor than fasting triglyceride concentration. It may therefore be useful to investigate patterns of postprandial triglyceride concentrations in sub-groups of a large study population, including potential confounding factors. Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional analysis was to investigate associations between postprandial triglyceride concentrations and groups of sex, age, and body mass index, as well as menopausal status. Methods: Data from the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study (2015-2016), including 21 083 men and women aged 40-99 years, was analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression models. Results: Men had higher triglyceride concentrations than women and a different pattern of postprandial triglyceride concentrations. In normal- and overweight women, all age groups had higher triglyceride concentrations than the reference group (40-49 years), but no linear trend was observed. In men, all age groups, except for 50-59 years, showed an inverse linear association with triglyceride concentration. Body mass index was positively associated with triglyceride concentration in both sexes. In sub-analyses, two different definitions of menopause both showed higher triglyceride concentrations in postmenopausal women, compared to premenopausal women. Conclusion: The present study found differences in triglyceride concentrations in regard to sex, age, body mass index, and menopausal status. However, unknown meal composition and size, as well as self-reported time since last meal based on individuals’ definition of a meal, are limitations that should be taken into consideration when interpreting these results.