Hypertriglyceridemia Cause and Symptoms

The level of triglycerides in our blood usually increases with age, but risk factors that increase the likelihood of the triglyceride level becoming too high include the following: Lifestyle:

  Overweight or obesity
  Excess alcohol intake
  Lack of physical activity
  Inherited disorders
  Pregnancy
  Type 2 diabetes
  Metabolic syndrome

Medications:

  Thiazide diuretics
  Beta-blockers
  Protease inhibitors for HIV
  Some cholesterol-lowering drugs
  Estrogen therapy
  Isotretinoin for acne
  Immunosuppressants
  Corticosteroids
  Some antipsychotics

The most common reasons for hypertriglyceridemia developing are obesity, lack of physical activity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and familial hyperlipidemia, a genetic condition that causes high triglycerides and low levels of the “good” cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein).