What is Hypertriglyceridemia? Understanding High Triglycerides
Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition where triglyceride levels— a type of fat (lipid) found in the blood—are elevated. While triglycerides are an essential source of energy, high levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, pancreatitis, and metabolic disorders. Triglyceride levels often rise due to poor diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, uncontrolled diabetes, or genetic predisposition. Managing this condition is essential to protect long-term heart and metabolic health.
Symptoms and Risks of High Triglycerides
In most cases, hypertriglyceridemia causes no symptoms and is discovered during routine blood tests. However, extremely high triglyceride levels (often above 500 mg/dL) can lead to:
- Pancreatitis: Sudden inflammation of the pancreas causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Increased Cardiovascular Risk: High triglycerides can contribute to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack, and stroke.
- Fatty Liver Disease: Accumulation of fat in liver cells.
- Xanthomas: Fatty deposits under the skin, especially in genetic forms.
Insulin Resistance: Associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.