Hypertriglyceridemia

Most people are not familiar with the medical condition called “hypertriglyceridemia”. However, this medical condition is more common than what people realize. Hypertriglyceridemia happens when the triglycerides in our bloodstream exceeds the level that is considered normal (<150mg/dL). These triglycerides are fatty substances that can cause the build-up of plaque inside our arteries; this is a condition called “atherosclerosis”. Research shows that hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis are also somewhat related.

Although the presence of hypertriglyceridemia is usually asymptomatic, failure to get adequate treatment to alleviate the condition may seriously aggravate the health of a person. Watching out for hypertriglyceridemia symptoms may be a difficult task, but with the help of a health care professional and by knowing these facts about hypertriglyceridemia, you can deal with the prevention (or cure) of the condition more easily.

Different Causes of Hypertriglyceridemia

 

Hypertriglyceridemia causes are numerous. Aside from its idiopathic nature, people who are obese, enjoy a high-carbohydrate diet, are afflicted with Diabetes mellitus, are heavy drinkers, and/or are suffering from Nephrotic syndrome, all have the risk of contracting hypertriglyceridemia. Other complex medical conditions that can lead to hypertriglyceridemia are:

• Hyperlipidemia
• Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency
• Hypothyroidism
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and
• Glycogen Storage Disease (type 1)

Hypertriglyceridemia Symptoms

 

As earlier mentioned, hypertriglyceridemia shows little or no symptoms. However, people who are suffering from severe hypertriglyceridemia may experience lipemia retinalis, or a whitish-looking retina, and show signs of xanthomas, or itchy small lumps found on the skin.

Treatment for hypertriglyceridemia is pretty easy.  A hypertriglyceridemia diet has little or no carbohydrates, fat, niacin, fibrates, and statins. Fish oil intake may also be encouraged to promote lowered triglyceride levels. Sufferers of acute hypertriglyceridemia may also be prescribed with regular “maintenance drugs” that are taken daily as part of a pharmacotherapy treatment befitting the condition of the patient.

 

The Proper Management of Hypertriglyceridemia

 

The saying, “prevention is better than cure” especially applies to hypertriglyceridemia. Medical professionals often encourage people who are at risk of hypertriglyceridemia to limit their intake of carbohydrates and fat. Fish Oil Supplements (Omega-3) are also recommended for people who have hypertriglyceridemia or those who are at risk of contracting the condition. For asymptomatic patients, regular intake of Gemfibrozil has been found to be effective in managing the triglyceride levels of a patient.

If you are at risk of hypertriglyceridemia, there is nothing to fear; check with your doctor and see how he/she can help you prevent/manage your condition. With proper medical condition and self-discipline, hypertriglyceridemia will not hamper you from enjoying your life.

What is Hypertriglyceridemia?

“Hypertriglyceridemia” may be too much of a mouthful as a medical term, but it is a common medical condition that is suffered by millions of individuals worldwide. Hypertriglyceridemia occurs when triglycerides, fatty components of the blood, exceed the normal acceptable level that should be found in the blood (<150mg/dL).When left untreated, the condition can lead to atherosclerosis- plaque buildup within arteries that can cause cardiac arrests and aneurysms. Hypertriglyceridemia diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia pancreatitis are the most known complications that arise in people who have diabetes and suffer from poorly-conditioned pancreas, respectively. Read the rest of this entry »