Actor portrayal; not an actual person with very high triglycerides.
How are VERY HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES MANAGED?
If you have very high triglycerides, your doctor may recommend diet and lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication, to lower triglycerides.
YOUR DOCTOR MAY RECOMMEND:
Changing your diet
Eating fewer foods with saturated fats like fatty meats, high-fat dairy foods, and desserts can help lower triglycerides. Instead, you can try incorporating food with healthy fats like nuts, seeds, nut butters, or avocado.
Limiting alcohol
Alcohol can raise your triglyceride levels. It is best to avoid alcohol, or only consume in small amounts. A person who frequently drinks alcohol can reduce their triglycerides by as much as 80% when they stop drinking. That's the difference between a triglyceride level of 500 mg/dL and a triglyceride level of 100 mg/dL.
Managing weight
Aim for a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Even a small amount of weight loss may lower your triglycerides.
Staying active
Exercise offers many health benefits. Getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise can not only help lower your triglycerides, but may also help you lose weight and lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Stopping certain medications
Some medications can raise your triglycerides. If that's the case, your doctor may recommend stopping certain medications, if appropriate. It is important to talk to your doctor before making changes to your medications.
Starting medications that can help lower triglycerides
Lifestyle changes aren't always enough to lower triglycerides. Your doctor may recommend supplements or prescribe medications that can help lower triglycerides like fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), fibrates, niacin, and statins. Ask your doctor if medications are right for you in order to lower your triglycerides.
What if healthy eating, exercise, and medications AREN'T ENOUGH?
It may not be your fault. For some people, high triglycerides aren't just about lifestyle. Your underlying biology can keep triglyceride levels high, even when you are doing everything right.
Our body has a natural system for clearing excess triglycerides from your bloodstream. But in people with very high triglycerides, this system gets overwhelmed, causing a backup.
Because of this biological backup, standard lifestyle changes and current medications often fall short.
“Once I was diagnosed with very high triglycerides, I decided that I needed to make drastic changes to the way I was living my life.”
Inspired by an actual person living with very high triglycerides.
Actor portrayal; not an actual person with very high triglycerides.
Researchers are working on new ways to lower triglycerides. Until then, it's important to have a conversation with your doctor specifically about your very high triglycerides.
Talking to your doctor about your triglycerides
If you have very high triglycerides (500 mg/dL or above), it’s really important to work with your doctor to make a plan. Bring this guide to your next appointment to help you ask the right questions and make the most of your conversation.
Who can help you MANAGE YOUR VERY HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES?
From primary care physicians to cardiologists, there are many healthcare professionals who can help you manage your triglycerides.
Your healthcare team may include:
CLICK EACH PHOTO TO LEARN MORE
Actor portrayal. Not an actual healthcare professional.
Primary Care Physician (PCP)
PCPs are often the first to notice if your triglyceride levels are elevated after a routine blood test. If needed, they can refer you to specialists to look into specific symptoms or treatment options.
Some women turn to their obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) for primary care, especially during pregnancy. Although OB-GYNs are doctors who specialize in women's reproductive health, they can monitor triglyceride levels and refer to specialists when needed.
Actor portrayal. Not an actual healthcare professional.
Cardiologist
Cardiologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of people with diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Some focus on the role triglycerides and other fats play in these diseases.
Actor portrayal. Not an actual healthcare professional.
Endocrinologist
Endocrinologists diagnose and treat a variety of metabolic conditions, including those related to having very high triglycerides.
Actor portrayal. Not an actual healthcare professional.
Gastroenterologist or Pancreatologist (GI doctors)
GI doctors specialize in diseases affecting the digestive system, including the pancreas. They can help people with very high triglycerides with complicated issues, like pancreatitis.
Actor portrayal. Not an actual healthcare professional.
Lipid Specialist
Lipid Specialists are experts in fat and metabolic disorders. They may be able to provide other ways of managing very high triglycerides if treatments have failed before.
Actor portrayal. Not an actual healthcare professional.
Registered Dietitian (RD)
RDs will explain dietary requirements to lower triglycerides and create customized nutrition plans to minimize symptoms. It may be easier to stick with lifestyle changes if you have the support of a registered dietitian, exercise specialist, or counselor.
Managing FCS, a genetic cause for extremely high triglycerides
If you have triglycerides above 880 mg/dL and have not been responsive to treatment, you may have a genetic condition known as familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) that may call for a different approach to lowering triglycerides.
