What’s hypertriglyceridemia?

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Hypertriglyceridemia is a medical condition that refers to unusually high levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood. The condition can result from genetic factors, chronic metabolic disorders such as diabetes, or a very high-fat diet. The condition can cause many different symptoms, but the more serious concerns with hypertriglyceridemia are pancreatitis and heart disease, complications that can be potentially life-threatening. Most patients who are diagnosed before serious complications occur are able to recover by making smart lifestyle changes and taking medications to regulate blood pressure and body systems.

The most common causes of hypertriglyceridemia are diabetes and obesity. High blood sugar and low insulin levels affect how the body regulates and metabolizes fat intake, resulting in a buildup of triglycerides in the gastrointestinal tract and bloodstream. Obese people who regularly consume fatty foods and get little exercise are at risk not only of excess triglycerides, but also of elevated cholesterol, greatly increasing their risk of atherosclerosis and heart failure. Additionally, smoking and alcohol consumption have been linked to a decrease in the body’s ability to process fat.

Some people are genetically predisposed to developing hypertriglyceridemia at some point in their lives. Genetic abnormalities can affect the number or function of enzymes that normally break down dietary fat. People who have a family history of heart attacks, strokes, or early-onset diabetes are generally encouraged to talk to their doctors about their health risks and learn what they can do to prevent complications.

Hypertriglyceridemia can manifest itself in many different ways. Some people notice small yellow skin lesions on the back, buttocks, or abdomen called xanthomas. Xanthomas are essentially lumps of excess fatty tissue that have been shed into the skin. Hypertriglyceridemia can also cause inflammation of the pancreas, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. Very high triglycerides combined with a buildup of cholesterol can cause breathing difficulties, chest pain and high blood pressure. Complications can be fatal without prompt medical attention.

Routine blood tests are usually sufficient for a doctor to diagnose hypertriglyceridemia. A patient experiencing physical symptoms may also need to be tested for diabetes, blood clots, pancreatitis, and other problems. Specific treatment decisions depend on the underlying cause, but nearly all patients are asked to begin exercising and following a healthy, low-fat diet. In addition, most people are given drugs to improve metabolism and fight the accumulation of triglycerides. The hypertriglyceridemia associated with diabetes can usually be reversed with insulin injections and blood pressure regulating drugs.

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