Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulate in the blood and are also stored in fat cells. These fats are an important energy source for the body, but higher-than-optimal amounts are associated with serious health risks, and in some cases, potentially life-threatening complications.
The medical term for high triglycerides is hypertriglyceridemia. This refers to triglyceride levels that are above the healthy range of 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Hypertriglyceridemia increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Severe hypertriglyceridemia refers to triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL. In some cases, triglyceride levels can reach 1,000 mg/dL or higher. Severe hypertriglyceridemia can cause acute pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas that is potentially life-threatening and requires emergency medical care. Treatment for acute pancreatitis can include intravenous infusions of insulin. It can also include plasmapheresis, a procedure that circulates the blood through a special machine to filter out triglycerides. Treatment also includes IV fluids and bowel rest.
Treatment for hypertriglyceridemia
Treatment plans vary by individual but typically include both lifestyle interventions and medications.
Management of coexisting conditions
Hypertriglyceridemia often coexists alongside other serious health conditions, including overweight/obesity, diabetes (especially uncontrolled diabetes), kidney disease, liver disease, and thyroid disease. It can also be caused by several genetic lipid disorders. Managing coexisting conditions that may be contributing to hypertriglyceridemia is critical to treatment.
Lifestyle interventions
Treatment plans typically include lifestyle interventions to reduce factors that contribute to elevated triglycerides. These can include following a heart-healthy diet, limiting sugar and unhealthy fats, reducing alcohol intake, reducing weight, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking (for anyone who smokes).
Medications
A person may be prescribed one or several medications to help reduce triglyceride levels. They may also be prescribed medications to manage cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, weight, and other coexisting concerns and conditions.
Questions when starting a new medication
It’s important to understand what medications you are taking, why you are taking them, and how to take them correctly.
Ask your healthcare provider these questions whenever you are prescribed a new medication:
- What is the name of the medication?
- What dosage will I be taking?
- Why is this medication recommended? What does it treat? How does it work?
- How is this medication administered? If a medication is taken as an injection, your healthcare provider will provide you with training and instructions on how to use the injector.
- How often will I need to take this medication and at what times of day?
- What is the goal of taking this medication? How will we know if it is working?
- What lifestyle modifications can I make to get the most benefit from this medication?
- Is there anything that I need to avoid while taking this medication?
- Can this medication interact with other medications? Your healthcare provider should have an up-to-date list of all medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements (including herbal products.
- What is the risk of side effects? Is there a risk of serious side effects?
- What should I do if I think I am experiencing a side effect? What symptoms require immediate medical attention?
- What will this medication cost, and who can I talk to if I have concerns about the cost?
Always be honest with your healthcare provider. If you are struggling to take a medication on schedule, have questions or concerns, or do not understand something, bring it up at your appointment. Your healthcare provider is your best source of information, and you will get the most out of treatment by taking an active role in your care.
Sources: MedlinePlus. Triglycerides. August 10, 2... + 9
- MedlinePlus. Triglycerides. August 10, 2025.
- Mayo Clinic. Triglycerides: Why do they matter? January 21, 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. Hypertriglyceridemia. July 29, 2022.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. High Blood Triglycerides. April 19, 2023.
- Miriam Larouche and Daniel Gaudet. Treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia: a new era dawns. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. July 24, 2026.
- Harsha Karanchi, Vijayadershan Muppidi, and Kathleen Wyne. Hypertriglyceridemia. StatPearls. August 14, 2023.
- Shane R. Sergent and John V. Ashurst. Plasmapheresis. StatPearls. July 10, 2023.
- MedlinePlus. Taking medicines – what to ask your provider. January 14, 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. Questions To Ask Your Doctor. Accessed September 3, 2026.
- Jenilee Matz. Switching to a New Diabetes Medication. Walgreens.com. February 22, 2021.
