Severe Hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia is a medical condition in which there is a high level of triglycerides in the blood. People with severe hypertriglyceridemia have triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or higher. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of developing heart disease, pancreatitis, and strokes.

There are a number of causes of severe hypertriglyceridemia, including genetics, obesity, diabetes, and certain medications. It can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, such as a diet high in fat and/or sugar, or sedentary lifestyle.

The most common treatments for severe hypertriglyceridemia are lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If lifestyle changes are not enough, medication may be prescribed.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Severe Hypertriglyceridemia:

Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats.
Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Cut down on sugar and salt.
Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Exercise regularly.
Quit smoking if you are a smoker.
Limit your alcohol intake.

Medications Used to Treat Severe Hypertriglyceridemia

Fibrates: Fibrates work by activating PPAR-alpha, a protein that helps the body remove triglycerides from the bloodstream and reduce the production of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol.
Niacin: Niacin works by blocking the activity of triglycerides in the liver, and increasing HDL cholesterol.
Statins: Statins work by blocking the activity of enzymes in the liver that cause high triglyceride levels.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels, but are not as effective as other medications.
Sequestrants: Sequestrants work by binding bile acids and preventing them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream.