From the Guidelines
HLD (Hyperlipidemia) often includes elevated triglycerides, but not always, and the relationship between the two is complex, with elevated triglycerides being a potential marker for cardiovascular disease rather than a causal factor, as noted in the 2013 guidelines from the Endocrine Society 1. When considering the management of hypertriglyceridemia, it's essential to evaluate patients for other cardiovascular risk factors, such as central obesity, hypertension, abnormal glucose metabolism, and liver dysfunction, as recommended in the 2013 guidelines 1. Key points to consider in the management of elevated triglycerides include:
- Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary counseling, weight loss, and increased physical activity, are first-line interventions for mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia, as these can help reduce serum triglyceride levels and overall cardiovascular risk 1.
- For patients with severe to very severe hypertriglyceridemia, reduced intake of dietary fat and simple carbohydrates, in combination with drug treatment, is recommended to reduce the risk of pancreatitis, with fibrates being the first-line treatment in patients at risk of pancreatitis 1.
- Medications such as fibrates, niacin, and n-3 fatty acids, alone or in combination, may be considered in patients with moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia, while statins may be useful to modify cardiovascular risk in patients with moderately elevated triglyceride levels, although they should not be used alone in patients with severe or very severe hypertriglyceridemia 1. The American Heart Association's 2011 scientific statement on triglycerides and cardiovascular disease highlights the importance of considering triglycerides in the evaluation and management of cardiovascular risk, emphasizing effective lifestyle strategies to lower triglyceride levels and improve overall cardiometabolic health 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
To reduce elevated TC, LDL-C, Apo B and TG, and to increase HDL-C in patients with primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia. To reduce TG in adult patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Triglyceride levels decreased by 28. 6% in the simvastatin plus niacin extended-release group and by 8. 1% in the simvastatin plus placebo group.
Yes, HLD (Hyperlipidemia) can also mean elevated triglycerides. The drug label indicates that niacin extended-release tablets are used to reduce elevated triglycerides (TG) in patients with primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia, as well as in adult patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. The label also reports a decrease in triglyceride levels in patients treated with niacin extended-release tablets 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
Definition of HLD
- HLD can refer to Hypertriglyceridemia, a condition characterized by elevated triglyceride levels in the blood 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Relationship between HLD and Elevated Triglycerides
- Elevated triglycerides are a key component of Hypertriglyceridemia, and are often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) 3, 4, 6, 7.
- Studies have shown that reducing triglyceride levels can help lower the risk of CVD, particularly in patients with hypertriglyceridemia 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Treatment Options for HLD and Elevated Triglycerides
- Treatment options for hypertriglyceridemia include statins, fibrates, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of CVD 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the hypertriglyceridemia and the presence of other risk factors for CVD 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.