Conference n3-fatty acids in HyperTG

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia

Elevated plasma triglycerides are the result of an excess of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins of several different types, most commonly very-low-density

 lipoproteins (VLDLs) but also intermediate-density

 lipoproteins (or VLDL remnants), chylomicrons, or chylomicron remnants

The 2011 statement cited epidemiological evidence that a moderate elevation in triglycerides is often associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. More recent evidence from mendelian randomization studies has shown that elevated triglycerides associated with genetic variants may be a causal factor for ASCVD and possibly for premature all-cause mortality.

Fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations may be categorized as normal (<150 mg/dL*), borderline (150– 199 mg/dL), high triglyceride (HTG; 200–499 mg/dL), and very HTG (VHTG; ≥500 mg/dL).1,8 Risk of acute pancreatitis is increased in patients with VHTG, especially those with triglycerides ≥1000 mg/dL.9 For VHTG, the primary goal of therapy is to reduce triglycerides to <500 mg/ dL,10 whereas there is no specific treatment goal for HTG. For all degrees of triglyceride elevation, treatment or elimination of secondary causes and intensive diet and lifestyle changes are recommended before direct pharmacotherapy.11 Such changes include weight loss, increased physical activity, limited alcohol consumption, and adoption of various healthy dietary practices such as decreased consumption of refined carbohydrates and simple sugars, substitution of saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats, and increased consumption of seafood (especially species high in omega-3 fatty acids [n-3 FAs]).