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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.
The condition is not linked to major increases in other blood fat (cholesterol) levels.
Causes
Familial hypertriglyceridemia is caused by a genetic defect, which is passed on in an autosomal dominant fashion. This means that if you get a bad copy of the gene from just one of your parents, you will have the condition.
Autosomal dominant
Autosomal dominant is one of several ways that a trait or disorder can be passed down (inherited) through families. In an autosomal dominant disease,...
Some people with this condition also have high levels of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). The reason for the rise in triglycerides and VLDL is not understood.
Very low density lipoprotein
VLDL stands for very low density lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are made up of cholesterol, triglycerides, and proteins. They move cholesterol, triglyce...
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 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.
Symptoms
You may not notice any symptoms. Some people with the condition may have coronary artery disease at an early age.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your family history and symptoms.
If you have a family history of this condition, you should have blood tests to check very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride levels. Blood tests most often show a mild to moderate increase in triglycerides (about 200 to 500 mg/dL).
Very low density lipoprotein
VLDL stands for very low density lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are made up of cholesterol, triglycerides, and proteins. They move cholesterol, triglyce...
A coronary risk profile may also be done.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control conditions that can raise triglyceride levels. These include obesity , hypothyroidism , and diabetes .
Obesity
Nearly 2 out of every 3 adults in the United States are overweight.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.
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 .
Foods high in saturated fats and carboh...
A healthy diet is a major factor in reducing your risk of heart disease.
You may need to take medicine if your triglyceride levels stay high even after making diet changes. Nicotinic acid, gemfibrozil, and fenofibrate have been shown to lower triglyceride levels in people with this condition.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Losing weight and keeping diabetes under control helps improve the outcome.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Pancreatitis
- Coronary artery disease
Prevention
Screening family members for high triglycerides may detect the disease early.
High triglycerides
Cholesterol is a fat (also called a lipid) that your body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol can increase your chance of getting heart...
References
Genest J, Libby P. Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular disease. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, Libby P, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 45.
Robinson JG. What is the role of advanced lipoprotein analysis in practice? J Am Coll Cardiol . 2012;60(25):2607-2615. PMID: 23257303 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23257303 .
Semenkovich CF. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 206.
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Healthy diet - illustration
For a healthy diet, replace unhealthy and fattening foods with healthier alternatives, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Healthy diet
illustration
Review Date: 5/5/2016
Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
