Hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia is elevated fasting plasma triglycerides (normal <1.7 mmol/L; borderline 1.7-2.29; high >=2.3; severe >=11.3 mmol/L). Secondary causes: obesity, type-2 diabetes, alcohol, hypothyroidism, renal disease, drugs. Severe hypertriglyceridemia causes eruptive xanthomas and acute pancreatitis. Long-term moderate elevation contributes to cardiovascular risk. Treatment: lifestyle (weight loss, low refined carbs/alcohol), fibrates, high-dose omega-3 fatty acids, and statins as needed.

Common Symptoms

Usually asymptomatic; pancreatitis when severe; eruptive xanthomas; lipemia retinalis; obesity/diabetes context

Causes and Pathogenesis

Overproduction/impaired clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons/VLDL), driven by insulin resistance, alcohol, obesity, or familial lipoprotein lipase/Apo defects.

Treatment

Lifestyle (weight loss, low refined carbs/alcohol); fibrates; high-dose omega-3; statin; manage diabetes; severe restriction/fasting for pancreatitis risk

Preventive Measures

Healthy diet; limit alcohol/refined carbs; weight control; screen diabetes.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.