Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia

Treatment of elevated triglycerides, medically known as hypertriglyceridemia, often involves making lifestyle changes, engaging in physical activity, and taking certain medications. 

How can High triglycerides be treated?

Triglycerides are a type of fat present in the blood, produced by the body from excess calories. After eating, the body converts excess calories into triglycerides, storing them in fat cells for later use as an energy source.

While triglycerides are an essential energy source, elevated levels increase the risk of heart disease and other serious conditions. Therefore, treatment is crucial. 

Typically, this condition is treated, and triglyceride levels are restored to normal through lifestyle modifications. However, in cases of severely elevated triglyceride levels, the doctor may prescribe a set of medications. Here are details about treating triglycerides:

• Lifestyle Modifications

It is the first step in the treatment of elevated triglycerides, and the following are the most important guidelines:

1. Exercise

Moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week (equivalent to 30 minutes daily for 5 days) or vigorous exercise for 75 minutes weekly is recommended to lower triglyceride levels. 

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Losing 5-10% of body weight, for those with excess weight, can have a positive impact on reducing triglyceride levels. Follow a healthy diet and engage in physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. 

3. Avoid Alcohol Consumption

Several studies indicate that alcohol consumption raises triglyceride levels in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid alcohol completely. 

4. Dietary Modification

To treat triglycerides, follow these guidelines:

• Limit intake of sugar, carbohydrates, saturated fats, and trans fats.
• Adopt a fiber-rich diet by adding vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to meals.
• Increase consumption of fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and mackerel.
• Include nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, as they are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and unsaturated fats.

5. Other Changes

In addition to the above, it is necessary to do the following:

• Ensure an adequate amount of sleep.
• Reduce stress.
• Quit smoking.
• Drink plenty of water. 

Additionally, some dietary supplements may be taken after consulting a doctor, such as fish oil supplements, fenugreek, vitamin D, or curcumin, as studies have shown their ability to reduce triglyceride levels. 

• Medications

The doctor may recommend one or more of the following medications if lifestyle modifications are insufficient:

• Statins, such as rosuvastatin calcium or atorvastatin calcium.
• Fibrates, such as gemfibrozil and fenofibrate.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
• PCSK9 inhibitors (a protein in the liver known as proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9).
• Nicotinic acid.

• Addressing Underlying Causes

Often, elevated triglyceride levels are a sign of the presence of other conditions that increase the risk of heart diseases, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or high blood pressure. 

Therefore, controlling these conditions can help manage triglyceride levels. This can be achieved by introducing new medications or adjusting the current drug regimen as deemed appropriate by the physician.

Sometimes, elevated triglycerides can be a side effect of certain medications, such as diuretics, steroids, beta-blockers, and estrogens. In such cases, the doctor may replace or adjust the dosage of these medications.

In conclusion, it is essential to consult a specialist to determine the most suitable treatment. The doctor typically decides on the treatment plan based on the severity of elevated triglyceride levels, the patient's overall health, and specific circumstances.

What Are The High Levels of Triglyceride?

According to the American Heart Association, normal triglyceride levels in the blood are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter. The following values indicate elevated levels:

• Borderline High: 150 - 199 milligrams per deciliter.
• High: 200 - 499 milligrams per deciliter.
• Very High: 500 milligrams per deciliter or higher.

High triglyceride levels increase the risk of heart disease, especially for those with low levels of good cholesterol and high levels of bad cholesterol, as well as for diabetic patients. Elevated levels also elevate the risk of stroke and pancreatitis. 

Therefore, it is necessary to undergo a triglyceride test provided by Blazma. All you need to do is contact them to schedule an appointment. Blazma will send a qualified professional to the desired address at a convenient time to draw a blood sample, analyze it, and then send the results via text message as soon as they are available.

It is essential to note the necessity of fasting for at least 12 hours before the test, as food can temporarily increase triglyceride levels in the blood.