A recent study (JAMA Intern Med 2016; 176: 1834-42) suggests that even mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia may increase risk of pancreatitis.

Among two large cohorts that were followed prospectively for a median of 6.7 years, 434 out of 116,550 patients developed acute pancreatitis.

Key finding (which persisted after adjustment of multiple potential confounding factors):

More complete summary at GI & Hepatology News: “Mild, moderate hypertriglceridemia tied to pancreatitis”