Comorbidities and Complications Linked to Severe Hypertriglyceridemia

Severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) means you have a very high level of fats in your blood. These fats are called triglycerides. Your body uses these fats for energy. However, having too many can lead to other health problems.¹

It is common for people with severe hypertriglyceridemia to have other medical conditions at the same time. These are called comorbidities. sHTG can also cause new, serious health issues. These are called complications.¹

Common comorbidities of severe hypertriglyceridemia

It is common for people with sHTG to also live with other comorbidities. These conditions often interact with each other. One condition can make the other worse.^1,2

Overweight and obesity

Obesity is a common health issue for people with sHTG. When you have obesity, your body may store extra fat in your blood. This can raise your triglyceride levels. Managing your weight is one way to help lower these fats. Even a small amount of weight loss can make a difference in your blood levels.¹

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes and sHTG are often linked. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use sugar. If your body does not use insulin well, sugar levels rise. This can also cause your liver to make more triglycerides. People with diabetes must watch their fat levels closely. High blood sugar and high blood fats together increase the risk of heart problems.^1,2

Heart disease

sHTG can lead to ASCVD. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a long name for heart and blood vessel disease. This happens when fats build up inside your artery walls. This build-up is called plaque. Plaque makes the arteries hard and narrow. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through your body.²

Complications of severe hypertriglyceridemia

If triglyceride levels stay very high, they can cause sudden and dangerous health events. These complications often require a trip to the hospital.³

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden swelling of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that helps you digest food. Very high levels of fat in the blood can trigger this swelling. This condition causes severe pain in your belly. It can also cause nausea and fever. This is a medical emergency. If you have sHTG and feel sudden, sharp pain, seek help right away.^1,3

Heart attack and stroke

As plaque builds up in your arteries, the risk for a heart attack or stroke goes up. A heart attack happens if a blood vessel to the heart is blocked. A stroke happens if a blood vessel to the brain is blocked. High triglycerides make the blood "thick" and more likely to form clots. Research shows that lowering triglycerides can reduce the risk of these events by a large percentage.³

Managing your health with sHTG

Living with sHTG means you must be proactive about your health. You should work closely with your healthcare team. They can help you create a plan to lower your fats. This plan might include:⁴

• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting more physical activity
• Taking medicine to lower fat levels
• Checking your cholesterol and triglyceride levels often

Your doctor can also help you manage other issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. Treating these conditions helps your overall heart health.

Severe hypertriglyceridemia is a serious condition, but there are things you can do to help you manage it. Understanding the links between sHTG and other health issues is the first step. Talk to your doctor about your triglyceride levels. Ask them how you can lower your risk for these complications. Working together can help you live a healthier life.⁴