High triglyceride levels may have multiple causes
Causes of hypertriglyceridemia1,2
High triglyceride levels, also known as hypertriglyceridemia, indicate a disorder of fat metabolism. This can have multiple causes, including:
Lifestyle factors
Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption.
Medications
Certain medications can affect fat metabolism, leading to increased triglyceride levels.
Other medical conditions
Hypertriglyceridemia can occur as a secondary condition to other diseases, including:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disease
- Liver disease
- Pancreatic disease
- Severe obesity (adiposity) or metabolic syndrome
In addition, genetic defects can cause primary hypertriglyceridemia (HTG).
Learning:
Hypertriglyceridemia can be caused by multiple secondary facors but as well as genetic defect (primary hypertriglyceridemia).
What is primary HTG?2,3
Some people have a hereditary predisposition to developing fat metabolism disorders, known as dyslipidemiaDyslipidemia is a condition where the body’s normal fat metabolism does not work properly.
How Does It Affect the Body?
Fat Uptake and Digestion: Dyslipidemia can affect the absorption and digestion of fats.
Fat Utilization: It can affect how fats are used as energy or stored in the body.
This means that either excess fats circulating in the blood, or an inability to process fats efficiently.. This means that these conditions may occur more frequently in their family.
How does it affect you?
This genetic predisposition can affect how the body processes fats and may increase the risk of high triglyceride levels.
When to consider a genetic cause3
If you have significantly elevated triglyceride levels: > 885 mg/dL or 10 mmol/L) and a history of pancreatitis, a genetic condition such as the disease Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) should be considered.
Gene with genetic defect (mutation)
Did you know?
If you have been diagnosed with a genetic disease, your family members may also be at risk and should be advised about this.
References
- Laufs U, et al. Clinical review on triglycerides. European Heart Journal (2020) 41, 99–109.
- Hegele RA, et al. Rare dyslipidaemias, from phenotype to genotype to management: a European Atherosclerosis Society task force consensus statementLancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 8:50-67 (2020).
- Moulin P, et al. Identification and diagnosis of patients with familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS): Expert panel recommendations and proposal of an ”FCS score”. Atherosclerosis. 2018;275:265-72
Pancreatitis – what is it?
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. The primary symptom is severe, sudden pain in the upper abdomen. Other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting.
Hypertriglyceridemia - signs & symptoms
Severely high triglyceride levels are associated with a broad spectrum of non-specific symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get your triglyceride levels tested.
Causes of high triglyceride levels
High triglyceride levels, also known as hypertriglyceridemia, indicate a disorder of fat metabolism. This can have multiple causes…