Learn About Familial Hypertriglyceridemia

What is the definition of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia?

Familial hypertriglyceridemia is a common disorder passed down through families. It causes a higher-than-normal level of triglycerides (a type of fat) in a person's blood.

What are the alternative names for Familial Hypertriglyceridemia?

Type IV hyperlipoproteinemia

What are the causes of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia?

Familial hypertriglyceridemia is most likely caused by genetic variants combined with environmental factors. As a result, the condition clusters in families. How severe the disorder is can vary based on sex, age, hormone use, and dietary factors.

People with this condition also have high levels of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are often low.

In most cases, familial hypertriglyceridemia is not noticeable until puberty or early adulthood. Obesity, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), and high levels of insulin are often present as well. These factors may cause even higher triglyceride levels. Alcohol, a diet high in carbohydrates, and estrogen use can make the condition worse.

You are more likely to have this condition if you have a family history of hypertriglyceridemia or heart disease before age 50.

What are the symptoms of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia?

You may not notice any symptoms. Some people with the condition may have coronary artery disease at an early age.

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What are the current treatments for Familial Hypertriglyceridemia?

The goal of treatment is to control conditions that can raise triglyceride levels. These include obesity, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.

Your provider may tell you not to drink alcohol. Certain birth control pills can raise triglyceride levels. Talk to your provider about your risk when deciding whether to take these medicines.

Treatment also involves avoiding excess calories and foods high in saturated fats and carbohydrates.

You may need to take medicine if your triglyceride levels stay high, even after making diet changes. Nicotinic acid, gemfibrozil, and fenofibrate will lower triglyceride levels in people with this condition.

Who are the top Familial Hypertriglyceridemia Local Doctors?
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Sanford Medical Center Fargo

1720 University Dr S, 
Fargo, ND 
 1.7 mi
Accepting New Patients

Aruna Aravapalli is an Internal Medicine provider in Fargo, North Dakota. Dr. Aravapalli and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia. Her top areas of expertise are Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and Hip Replacement. Dr. Aravapalli is currently accepting new patients.

Family Medicine
Family Medicine
68 35th Ave Ne, 
Fargo, ND 
 4.0 mi
Accepting New Patients

Jessie Lindemann is a Family Medicine provider in Fargo, North Dakota. Dr. Lindemann and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia. Her top areas of expertise are Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Infant Hyperglycemia, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism. Dr. Lindemann is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Sanford Medical Center Fargo

4000 28th Ave S, 
Moorhead, MN 
 4.1 mi
Accepting New Patients

Darin Lang is an Internal Medicine provider in Moorhead, Minnesota. Dr. Lang and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia. His top areas of expertise are Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Endoscopy, and Pacemaker Implantation. Dr. Lang is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Familial Hypertriglyceridemia?

Losing weight and keeping diabetes under control helps improve the outcome.

What are the possible complications of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia?

Complications may include:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Coronary artery disease
How do I prevent Familial Hypertriglyceridemia?

Screening family members for high triglycerides may detect the disease early.

What are the latest Familial Hypertriglyceridemia Clinical Trials?
An Open-Label Extension Study of Olezarsen (ISIS 678354) Administered Subcutaneously to Patients With Severe Hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG)

Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of olezarsen in participants with SHTG.

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Effect of Dried Barberry Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Individuals with Mild to Moderate Hypertriglyceridemia

Summary: Barberry is a well-documented medicinal plant that is utilized as a feed additive in a variety of food cultures. Barberry is a rich source of antioxidants, minerals, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Based on the results of animal and human studies, barberry may have therapeutic and medicinal properties, including the ability to improve blood lipid profile. The present study will investigate the...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 08, 2024
Published By: Thomas S. Metkus, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Genest J, Mora S, Libby P. Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.

Robinson JG. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 190.