Your questions answered about treating very high triglycerides

High triglyceride levels can cause other health complications, including putting the heart at risk.

However, when triglyceride levels are very high and reach 500 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) or above, it is known as hypertriglyceridemia, and there is a high risk of developing pancreatitis.

Treatment for very high triglycerides will primarily focus on treating or preventing pancreatitis.

A healthcare team will treat a person with very high triglycerides as a matter of urgency to avoid further health complications.

If an individual develops pancreatitis, they may be required to stay in the hospital for treatment, which may include:

The first-line medication for lowering triglyceride levels is with fibrates, such as fenofibrate (Tricor, Antara, Lipofen) and gemfibrozil (Lopid). These can lower triglyceride levels by 30% to 50% while also increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or “good cholesterol” levels.

Triglyceride levels can be lowered rapidly in people with severely high triglycerides. This can be achieved with intravenous (IV) insulin, even in people without diabetes, and IV heparin, a blood thinner.

Triglyceride levels are also highly responsive to lifestyle adaptations, and depending on a person’s circumstances and diagnosis, their healthcare team may suggest implementing a diet and exercise plan alone or in conjunction with medications.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help a person manage their triglyceride levels and overall health.

Yes, triglycerides can be lowered with lifestyle adaptations, including dietary changes, limiting alcohol use, quitting smoking (if applicable), and ensuring regular exercise.

However, if a person also has underlying health conditions or if their triglyceride levels are severely high, a doctor may suggest they also add medications to their treatment plan.

Doctors will check a person’s triglyceride levels at different times, depending on their initial levels and their treatment plan.

For example, if an individual follows a specific meal plan called the chyomicron-clearing meal plan, their triglycerides typically lower within a couple of weeks. This means a doctor may request a repeat triglyceride test after 2 weeks of strict adherence to a meal plan.

However, if a person is taking statins to manage triglyceride and cholesterol levels, a doctor may request a follow-up blood test within 4 to 12 weeks of beginning treatment.

Individuals should speak with their healthcare team to confirm the best timeframe for follow-up based on their specific diagnosis.

Very high triglycerides may require urgent care in order to control and manage possible health complications.

Treatments, such as lifestyle modifications and some medications, can be highly effective, with some interventions causing a dramatic decrease in triglyceride levels within just a few days.

A consistent partnership with a healthcare team is the best way to ensure very high triglycerides are managed effectively.