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Hypertriglyceridaemia
Medical Questions » Hypertriglyceridaemia
| Name: Hypertriglyceridaemia |
| Also known as: Triglyceride Excess |
| Excess amount of a fat (triglyceride) in blood. |
Causes of Hypertriglyceridaemia
Triglycerides are formed when one of a group of fatty acids (oleic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid) combines with glycerol. Triglycerides are found in most animal and vegetable fats and form an essential part of the human diet, but when eaten in excess, or excessively concentrated in the blood, they are a problem. Patients with obesity, diabetes, alcoholism, an underactive thyroid gland, and a number of rarer diseases have an increased risk of developing the condition. Some patients have an inherited type of excess triglyceride which cannot be adequately corrected by diet alone but requires medication. Oral contraceptives may also be responsible. |
Symptoms of Hypertriglyceridaemia
None usually present unless complications occur. |
Tests for Hypertriglyceridaemia
Amount of triglyceride in the blood measured. The patient must fast for twelve hours and avoid alcohol for three days before the test. |
Treatment for Hypertriglyceridaemia
Patients can usually be controlled by a diet that excludes most animal and vegetable fat (eg. fried food, dairy products, fatty meats). With hereditary disease or severe cases, medication must be taken long term as well as the diet.
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Complications of Hypertriglyceridaemia of its treatment
An increased risk of strokes and heart attacks, as the excess triglyceride is deposited along with cholesterol on the inside wall of arteries to cause hardening of the arteries (Arteriosclerosis). |
Likely Outcome of Hypertriglyceridaemia
No cure possible, but control usually satisfactory. |
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