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Type IV Hyperlipoproteinemia - Familial Hypertriglyceridemia
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Familial hypertriglyceridemia is an inherited disorder that causes high triglycerides in the blood.
What is going on in the body?
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the body, just like cholesterol. Normally, the liver makes a fairly low level of fats. The body uses fats for energy. In familial hypertriglyceridemia, the liver makes too much triglyceride. This causes the level of triglycerides in the blood to be too high.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
This disease is inherited and occurs in about 1 in 100 people. A person with familial hypertriglyceridemia has an increased risk of developing pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas that may cause severe abdominal pain and, rarely, death.