Hypertriglyceridemia

In medicine, hypertriglyceridemia denotes high (hyper-) blood levels (-emia) of triglycerides, the most abundant fatty molecule in most organisms. It has been associated with atherosclerosis, even in the absence of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels). It can also lead to pancreatitis in excessive concentrations. Very high triglyceride levels may also interfere with blood tests; hyponatremia may be reported spuriously (pseudohyponatremia).

Causes include:

• idiopathic (constitutional)
• obesity
• high fat diet
• sugar diabetes and insulin resistance
• excess alcohol intake

Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia is by fat restriction in the diet, as well as with fibrates and statins (two classes of drugs). High doses of fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids may help.