Learn About 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.
Type IV hyperlipoproteinemia
Familial hypertriglyceridemia is most likely caused by genetic variants combined with environmental factors. As a result, the condition clusters in families. How severe the disorder is can vary based on sex, age, hormone use, and dietary factors.
People with this condition also have high levels of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are often low.
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, a diet high in carbohydrates, 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.
You may not notice any symptoms. Some people with the condition may have coronary artery disease at an early age.
The goal of treatment is to control conditions that can raise triglyceride levels. These include obesity, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.
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.
You may need to take medicine if your triglyceride levels stay high, even after making diet changes. Nicotinic acid, gemfibrozil, and fenofibrate will lower triglyceride levels in people with this condition.
The Regents Of The University Of California
Lucia Dattoma is a Geriatrics specialist and a Family Medicine provider in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Dattoma and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia. Her top areas of expertise are Dementia, Sciatica, Swallowing Difficulty, and Painful Swallowing.
COR Medical Group Inc
Mark Urman is a Cardiologist in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Urman and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia. His top areas of expertise are Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Pulmonary Edema, Heart Failure, and High Cholesterol.
Avinash Mondkar is a Cardiologist in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Mondkar and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia. His top areas of expertise are Vasculitis, Aortic Regurgitation, Pediatric Myocarditis, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.
Losing weight and keeping diabetes under control helps improve the outcome.
Complications may include:
- Pancreatitis
- Coronary artery disease
Screening family members for high triglycerides may detect the disease early.
Summary: This Phase 3 study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of plozasiran injection (ARO-APOC3) in adult participants with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). After providing informed consent eligible participants will be randomized to receive 4 doses (once every 3 months) of plozasiran or placebo and be evaluated for efficacy and safety.
Summary: This Phase 3 study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of plozasiran injection (ARO-APOC3) in adult participants with severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG). After providing informed consent eligible participants will be randomized to receive 4 doses (once every 3 months) of plozasiran or placebo, and be evaluated for efficacy and safety. After Month 12, eligible participants will be offered an oppo...
Published Date: May 08, 2024
Published By: Thomas S. Metkus, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Genest J, Mora S, Libby P. Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.
Robinson JG. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 190.