Hypertriglyceridemia: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Hypertriglyceridemia refers to a condition where you have high amounts of a type of fat known as triglycerides in your blood. This condition is quite common and there are over 10 million cases of it seen every year in India. It is vital to monitor the amount of triglyceride levels in your blood as high amounts of it can lead to heart disease. They can make the walls of your arteries harden and thicken, which can increase your chances of getting stroke or developing heart problems.

Treating hypertriglyceridemia depends largely on your diet and lifestyle. If you have high triglycerides, your doctor will recommend you to a dietician or a nutritionist who can help you chart out a diet plan that is designed to lower the amount of the fats in your blood. Since this problem occurs when you eat more calories than you burn, monitoring and controlling your diet is one of the most effective ways to reverse it.

However, if you cannot reverse the condition through your diet, your doctor may also prescribe certain medications to you. However, it is important to note that the medications can only go so far. Unless you alter your lifestyle, not much can be done to improve your overall health and reduce the risk of developing any heart diseases.

Hypertriglyceridemia can be diagnosed with the help of a blood test. If the triglycerides in your blood are above the healthy range that is indicated in the test results, then you have elevated triglycerides. After getting the result, you should schedule an appointment with your cardiologist. The cardiologist will then listen to your heart beat through the stethoscope. They will also schedule an ECG to see how well your heart muscles are functioning. This can help them determine whether the triglycerides have already begun to damage the arteries and heart muscles. Once all the tests are done, your treatment can begin.

The most important thing when it comes to having hypertriglyceridemia is monitoring your diet. You will have to change the way you eat your meals, the way you cook them, and even how frequently you snack. You will be encouraged to lose some weight as that can positively impact the amount of triglycerides in your system. You will also have to avoid food with calories and choose healthier fats in your diet. Another important thing to do is to limit the alcohol intake. You will also have to exercise on a regular basis.

Your doctor may also ask you to take a few cardiac medications. The dosage will depend on your medical history. However, without making the required lifestyle changes, you can’t expect to get rid of the high levels of triglycerides in your blood.

If you have elevated triglycerides, you are eligible so seek out any treatment. If you have a family history of heart disease, you can speak to the cardiologist and find out whether it is prudent to make these lifestyle changes as a precautionary method, even if you don’t already have hypertriglyceridemia.

If you are suffering from malnutrition or any disease that hampers the way your body absorbs nutrients, it may be difficult to go on a diet.

You may suffer from diarrhoea or constipation initially due to the new changes in your diet but these will subside as your body gets used to your new food.

Making certain lifestyle changes like limiting your alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and controlling what you eat are imperative. Without these, you cannot hope to reverse your condition and prevent heart disease.

It can take more than a month for the effects of your new diet and medication to reflect in your blood tests.

Seeing a dietician or a nutritionist can cost anywhere between Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 5,000, depending on where you go.

As long as you maintain your diet and continue to exercise, you can control the condition for the rest of your life.

There are no alternative treatments or home remedies. Heart disease is serious and you should get your advice from a medical professional.