Triglycerides are a form of fat found in foods as well as in the body. Unused calories from food are converted into triglycerides and stored in the fat cells of the body which can later be converted to energy for the body. They are generally associated with cholesterol because they are both transported through the blood by special lipoproteins. High triglycerides, or hypertriglyceridemia, can increase the risk of coronary artery disease. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, a variety of medications can help lower high triglycerides.
Fibrates
Fibrates are a class of drugs indicated for the treatment of high triglycerides and cholesterol. Fibrates can lower triglycerides levels by up to 50 percent and increase the levels of HDL or good cholesterol by 20 percent, according to an article in the April 2007 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Fibrates lower triglycerides via two mechanisms. They reduce triglyceride secretion from the liver as well as activate lipases, or special proteins involved in the breakdown and clearance of triglycerides.
Niacin
Niacin, or nicotinic acid is a B vitamin found in a variety of foods, but is also available in higher doses as a prescription medication. It helps lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol. It lowers triglycerides by blocking the release of certain fatty acids from fat tissue that are integral to triglyceride formation. According to a research article in the April 2007 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, 3g of niacin daily may lower triglycerides levels by up to 45 percent.
Statins
Statins are the most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of high cholesterol, but are generally not the first choice of treatment for very high triglyceride levels. Statins inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver and are most effective in lowering LDL or bad cholesterol levels. However, inhibiting LDL synthesis indirectly decreases triglyceride levels due to similar synthesis components and mechanisms between LDL and triglycerides. According to an article in the September 1999 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, statins are effective in lowering triglycerides and are most effective in individuals with very high starting triglyceride levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements
In 2004, the FDA approved an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement as treatment for high triglyceride levels in adults. Derived from fish oils, Omega-3 fatty acid supplements inhibit the release of triglycerides from the liver and activate lipases that clear triglycerides from the body, according to an article in the March 2007 issue of the American Journal of Health System Pharmacy. The article also states that when used daily in 4mg doses, prescription Omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce triglyceride levels by an average of 45 percent in individuals with very high triglyceride levels.
References
- Canadian Medical Association Journal: Hypertriglyceridemia: its etiology, effects and treatment
- Thagard Student Health Center: Medications for High Triglycerides
- European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: Lowering effects of four different statins on serum triglyceride level
- Mayo Clinic: High Cholesterol
