Hypertriglyceridemia: management of atherogenic dyslipidemia

J Fam Pract. 2006 Jul;55(7):S1-8.

Abstract

Elevated triglycerides are now considered an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease and continue to be a major risk for acute pancreatitis, especially when levels exceed 1000 mg/dL (SOR: B). Elevated triglycerides are a component of atherogenic dyslipidemia and often signal the presence of other conditions (eg, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus) associated with an increased cardiovascular risk (SOR: A). When evaluating a patient with elevated triglycerides, it is important to be cognizant of all atherogenic lipoproteins to more accurately determine the risk of coronary heart disease (SOR: C). Patients with hypertriglyceridemia should first achieve their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal, followed by their non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal (SOR: C). Fibrates, niacin, and omega-3 acid ethyl esters are highly effective at reducing triglycerides, while statins are considered moderately efficacious (SOR: A).

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Atherosclerosis / prevention & control*
  • Coronary Disease / blood
  • Coronary Disease / prevention & control*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / blood
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / therapy*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Pancreatitis / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Hypolipidemic Agents