What is a major complication of severe hypertriglyceridemia?

What is a major complication of severe hypertriglyceridemia?

• A. Myocardial infarction
• B. Pancreatitis
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Aortic aneurysm

Answer: (B)

Severe hypertriglyceridemia most notably causes acute pancreatitis. When triglycerides climb very high, chylomicrons accumulate in the pancreatic capillaries, leading to capillary obstruction and relative ischemia. During pancreatic lipolysis, an excess of free fatty acids is released and can be toxic to acinar cells, provoking inflammation and pancreatitis. The risk rises with triglyceride levels well above normal, especially around or above 1000 mg/dL. While lipid abnormalities contribute to cardiovascular risk, myocardial infarction isn’t the direct, characteristic complication driven by extreme triglycerides in the acute setting, and pulmonary embolism or aortic aneurysm are not typical direct consequences of severe hypertriglyceridemia. Clinically, the goal is to lower triglycerides to prevent pancreatitis, using strategies like fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids, and to manage any pancreatitis that develops.

Severe hypertriglyceridemia most notably causes acute pancreatitis. When triglycerides climb very high, chylomicrons accumulate in the pancreatic capillaries, leading to capillary obstruction and relative ischemia. During pancreatic lipolysis, an excess of free fatty acids is released and can be toxic to acinar cells, provoking inflammation and pancreatitis. The risk rises with triglyceride levels well above normal, especially around or above 1000 mg/dL. While lipid abnormalities contribute to cardiovascular risk, myocardial infarction isn’t the direct, characteristic complication driven by extreme triglycerides in the acute setting, and pulmonary embolism or aortic aneurysm are not typical direct consequences of severe hypertriglyceridemia. Clinically, the goal is to lower triglycerides to prevent pancreatitis, using strategies like fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids, and to manage any pancreatitis that develops.