Familial hypertriglyceridemia

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to control exacerbating conditions such as obesity, hypothyroidism, and diabetes wherever possible. Alcohol use should be discontinued. Oral contraceptive use should be reviewed and the specific type chosen carefully. Restriction of excess calories and reduction of saturated fats in the diet is indicated.

If high triglyceride levels persist with maximum dietary treatment, drug therapy should be started. Nicotinic acid or gemfibrozil are drugs that have effectively reduced triglycerides in people affected with familial hypertriglyceridemia.

Expectations (prognosis):

There is an increased risk of coronary artery disease and pancreatitis with this disorder. Weight loss and control of diabetes has a positive effect on the outcome.

Complications:

• increased risk of pancreatitis
• increased risk of coronary artery disease

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider (for screening) if family members are found to have elevated triglyceride or LDL levels.