Hypertriglyceridemia

As a hypertriglyceridemia ( in technical language letters, otherwise also hypertriglyceridemia ) is called a lipid metabolism disorder with increase in triacylglycerides in the blood about the physiological value of 2 mmol / l ( 180 mg / dl ) addition.

This increase can be genetic, so by deficiency of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase, apolipoprotein C2 or by decreased LDL - receptor density.

But also external causes are possible and take quite some time to importance. This may relate to: obesity ( obesity ), alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, gout, kidney disorders, glycogen storage diseases, Cushing's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and in pregnancy.

Also, when taking certain medicines, amongst other hormonal contraceptives, diuretics and in the treatment with cortisol, beta-blockers, certain antivirals and Isotretinoin ( for acne treatment ) can hypertriglyceridemia occur.

Importance

Hypertriglyceridemia is not usually associated with clinical symptoms, but leads to disease, namely, a slight acceleration of vascular aging ( arteriosclerosis) and thus to an increased risk of cardiovascular sequelae. In this case, however, the following factors are far more significant: tobacco smoking, high blood pressure ( hypertension ), diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia.

In case of extreme increase in a life-threatening acute pancreatitis may set in motion or can, only more cosmetically disturbing, in the skin lead to eruptive xanthomas.

Basically, the underlying causes need to be eliminated or treated. Frequently hypertriglyceridemia occurs in overweight and obesity in chronic alcohol abuse and diabetes mellitus. In these cases it may be useful as a weight reduction associated with physical activity or a waiver of alcohol. In order to reduce the body weight a reduced-energy, lipid-lowering diet is recommended. Sugar and sugary foods such as sweets, candies and pastries should be avoided or at least severely limited, mainly because mono-and disaccharides enhance the hepatic VLDL - triglyceride synthesis. As an alternative to sugar sweeteners such as aspartame or saccharin may be used. Sugar substitutes, however, represent not a viable option, as they raise them Triglyceridbildung again.

It should also be paid to sufficient dietary fiber intake, as they in turn affect the VLDL triglycerides positive. A high intake of white bread is thereby ideally replaced with fiber-rich whole grains. In addition, one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids are preferred over saturated. If the hypertriglyceridemia is not successfully treated by these measures, a supportive drug treatment with nicotinic acid or fibrates may be required.

Swell

• Roche Medical Dictionary ( 4th Edition )
• Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Löffler / Petrides ( 8th edition ), Berlin 2006