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Hypertriglyceridaemia

Hypertriglyceridaemia means triglycerides, a type of blood fat, are higher than they should be. Mild rises are common and may cause no symptoms. Very high levels are linked to heart problems and pancreas inflammation.

Medicine used to treat Hypertriglyceridaemia

Fenofibrate

Fenofibrate

160 · 200mg

Fenofibrate is a tablet for hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia that lowers triglycerides and raises HDL cholesterol. Multiple strengths and pack sizes are supplied. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$1.28/ tabletView

Key points

  • Severe hypertriglyceridaemia is defined as 500 to 2,000 mg/dL; many people at this level also have excess liver fat that can cause liver damage.
  • High triglycerides with high LDL or low HDL cholesterol are linked to fatty buildup in artery walls, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Fibrates such as fenofibrate activate receptors that speed clearance of triglyceride-carrying particles from the blood.

What pushes triglycerides up

A diet high in sugar or starch is a strong driver. Most cases have a secondary cause: poorly controlled diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, excess alcohol, or medicines such as corticosteroids and some beta-blockers. The inherited form, familial hypertriglyceridaemia, can produce very high levels and often needs medicine as well as lifestyle change.

How it is treated

Cutting sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol helps, and so does more physical activity. When levels stay high, fibrates are often the first choice. Fenofibrate comes as 160 mg and 200 mg tablets; see the fenofibrate product. It is also used in hypercholesterolaemia. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Complications and when to get help

Severe hypertriglyceridaemia can bring a high risk of cardiovascular disease or pancreatitis. High triglycerides often lead to MASLD, which can progress to MASH; there are no standard treatments for MASLD and only one FDA-approved therapy for MASH. If levels are very high (above 10 mmol/L), or sudden severe abdominal pain develops, seek medical assessment promptly.

What the sources say

  • The Endocrine Society advises ruling out hypothyroidism before starting lipid-lowering medicines (Endocrine Society).
  • In people with hypothyroidism, the lipid profile should be re-evaluated once thyroid hormone levels are normal (Endocrine Society).

Further reading

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