Title: Medications to Decrease Triglyceride Levels
Triglycerides, a type of fat in our body, are crucial for good health but high levels can lead to serious health complications. These complex fats derive from the food we consume and are stored for future energy needs. While some triglycerides are beneficial, having excess levels (over 200 milligrams per deciliter) in your blood can increase your risk of several heart conditions. Such conditions are different from cholesterol, a waxy substance found in all body cells.
Several factors contribute to elevated triglyceride levels, such as certain medical conditions, certain medications, and lifestyle choices. In such cases, healthcare professionals might prescribe medications or suggest lifestyle changes to manage or lower your triglyceride levels.
Triglyceride-Lowering Medications
Niacin
Commonly found in various foods, niacin plays a significant role in converting the calories we consume into energy. Prescription doses of niacin serve more than its energy conversion purpose, as it also lowers triglycerides. Healthcare specialists may recommend niacin for people with atherosclerosis to lower their risk of heart attack and stroke.
Before jumping onto regex help, be aware that niacin interacts with other medications and supplements and high doses can cause side effects. In such cases, healthcare professionals must prescribe and monitor niacin use closely.
Fibrates
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists, or fibrates, are medications used to manage high triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Generic fibrate names include gemfibrozil and fenofibrate. Fibrates provide several benefits, including lowering triglyceride levels and having a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa)
An active ingredient in Vascepa, Icosapent ethyl is prescribed to help lower blood triglycerides alongside appropriate dietary changes. Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, Icosapent ethyl can help reduce the risk of heart conditions in people with specific risk factors.
Volanesorsen
Used in certain countries for familial chylomicronemia syndrome, Volanesorsen is a medication that lowers triglycerides by inhibiting proteins that slow down fat breakdown in the body.
Gene Therapy
Some people may have a genetic predisposition to high triglyceride levels. Gene therapy techniques are currently being developed to address this condition.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes significantly contribute to managing triglyceride levels. These include maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, quitting smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, and adopting a heart-healthy diet enriched with heart-healthy foods, good fats, and limiting bad fats, sugar, and salt.
Checking for Underlying Health Conditions
Several medical conditions, such as kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, obesity, and thyroid disease, can increase your risk of high triglyceride levels. Regular checkups and addressing these conditions can help lower triglyceride levels and minimize the risk of severe complications.
Incorporating niacin into a treatment plan for high triglyceride levels, as prescribed by healthcare professionals, can lead to reduced triglyceride levels due to its role in lowering excess fat storage. High doses of niacin may interact with other medications and supplements, necessitating close monitoring by healthcare specialists.
Tackling high triglyceride levels through lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and adopting a heart-healthy diet, can also contribute to lowering the levels of this lipid in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of heart conditions.