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Hypertriglyceridemia

What causes hypertriglyceridemia?

What causes hypertriglyceridemia?

The most common reasons for hypertriglyceridemia developing are obesity, lack of physical activity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and familial hyperlipidemia, a genetic condition that causes high triglycerides and low levels of the “good” cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein).

Hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia is  a condition  in which high levels of triglycerides (triglycerides) in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease, and triglycerides are the main form of energy storage in the body, meaning that they are a source of energy for the body.

Hypertriglyceridemia is a symptom of metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes or stroke.

Symptoms 

Hypertriglyceridemia does not have any specific symptoms, but certain symptoms may appear in cases where its levels are very high, and may cause the following:

  • Coronary artery disease at an early age.
  • high blood pressure ;
  • Fat accumulations under the skin (Xanthomas).

Causes and risk factors

There are many causes of hypertriglyceridemia, including:

  • Excess obesity.
  • Diabetes  that is not treated.
  • Hypothyroidism  (Hypothyroidism).
  • Kidney disease and kidney failure.
  • Consuming more calories than the body needs.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption.

In addition, taking some medications may increase the level of triglycerides in the blood, such as the following:

  • Tamoxifen.
  • Steroids of different groups.
  • Beta blockers.
  • Diuretics, such as: Furosemide.
  • Estrogen.
  • Pills.

Complications

High blood triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of many diseases, such as the following:

  • Various heart diseases and brain: due to the occurrence of clots resulting from the accumulation of levels of triglycerides in the blood.
  • Diabetic neuropathy: It is a disease in which one of the nerves responsible for a function in the body is damaged.
  • Pancreatitis and fatty liver diseases: The accumulated fat causes various infections and diseases that affect the functioning of the liver.

Diagnosis

Triglyceride levels are measured simply by taking a blood sample from the patient, and the values ​​refer to the following:

  • Normal value: less than 150 mg/dL.
  • Threshold value: 150-199 milligrams/dL.
  • High value: 200 – 499 mg/dL.
  • Very high value: 500 mg/dL or more.

Treating hypertriglyceridemia

Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia aims to control factors that may lead to high levels of triglycerides in the blood, such as: obesity and diabetes. Treatment can include the following:

  • Diet modification

Blood triglyceride levels are affected by a person’s diet; Therefore, patients with hypertriglyceridemia should consult a nutritionist to obtain a balanced and proper diet, with the need to maintain physical activity, which may help to maintain normal levels of triglycerides in the blood.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol

It is recommended to reduce the amount of alcoholic beverages consumed to a minimum, as these drinks are a source of extra calories and increase the density of fats in the blood vessels.

  • Avoid smoking

Smoking is prohibited in cases of hypertriglyceridemia, as it increases the risk of blockage of blood vessels and prevents the proper and normal flow of oxygenated blood.

If blood triglyceride levels remain high despite changes in diet, drug therapy may be necessary.

Prevention

Hypertriglyceridemia can be prevented by the following:

  • Adopt a balanced diet and increase physical activity.
  •  Regular blood lipid profile checks, especially if there are risk factors for hyperlipidemia.
  • Consult a doctor regarding preventive treatment of the disease.

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