Major risk factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is blood lipids - cholesterol and triglycerides.  Triglycerides are the form in which fat exists in the body, and like cholesterol, they can be ingested through food or synthesized in the body and stored for use as energy between meals.  Elevated triglycerides and cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis, plaques from hardening arteries.  Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transports cholesterol and triglycerides to the arteries, where they are released and vulnerable to oxidation.  The key to keeping CVD in check is maintaining healthy arteries.  Read more.