Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Hypertriglyceridemia?

Romesh Khardori, MD, PhD

September 14, 2018

When triglyceride levels are elevated, fasting blood glucose and A1c levels should be checked to rule out uncontrolled diabetes, which is one of the most frequent causes of hypertriglyceridemia. Management of this condition may make medication to lower the triglyceride level unnecessary or, at least, make it easier to normalize.

Hypertriglyceridemia is usually asymptomatic until triglyceride levels are greater than 1000-2000 mg/dL. Patients may report pain, which is commonly mid-epigastric but may occur in other regions, including the chest or back. Signs and symptoms of hypertriglyceridemia may include gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatologic, and ophthalmologic issues.

First-degree relatives should be screened for hyperlipidemia. Use of oral contraceptives, beta-blockers, and thiazide diuretics can also raise plasma triglyceride and VLDL levels.

For more on the presentation and diagnosis and workup of hypertriglyceridemia, read here.

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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Romesh Khardori. Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Hypertriglyceridemia? - Medscape - Sep 14, 2018.

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