Question

Primary Hypertriglyceridemia:
Treatment.

Hint:

Managing primary hypertriglyceridemia early with lifestyle changes and medications can prevent complications such as pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease.

Answer 1

The treatment of primary hypertriglyceridemia involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications.
Step 1: Lifestyle Modifications:
1. Dietary Changes: A low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can help reduce triglyceride levels.
2. Weight Loss: Losing weight, especially abdominal fat, can significantly reduce triglyceride levels.
3. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower triglycerides and improve overall lipid profile.
Step 2: Medications:
1. Fibrates: These drugs, such as fenofibrate, are the first-line treatment for lowering triglyceride levels.
2. Niacin: Niacin (vitamin B3) can lower triglycerides by reducing hepatic production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Prescription omega-3 fatty acids, such as icosapent ethyl, are used to lower triglyceride levels in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Statins: Although primarily used to lower cholesterol, statins may also help lower triglyceride levels in some patients.
Step 3: Severe Cases:
- In severe cases with very high triglycerides (>1000 mg/dL), plasmapheresis or insulin therapy may be considered to rapidly lower triglyceride levels and prevent acute pancreatitis.