Regular screening needed for hypertriglyceridemia

Regular screening for hypertriglyceridemia is needed among adults, according to a recent study.

Characterised by high blood levels of triglycerides, an abundant fatty molecule, it can lead to atherosclerosis, heart problems and pancreatitis in extreme cases.

Researchers now claim that it would be beneficial to implement five year screenings, to help identify those with the condition and preventing it going untreated.

Catching hypertriglyceridemia early is vital for successful outcomes among patients.

It is known that being overweight and doing insufficient exercise are two risk factors for the condition, as are metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and familial combined hyperlipidemia. Among these high risk groups regular screening is even more important.

A previous study also claimed that a "combination of both common and rare variants or 'misprints' in several genes" can lead to hypertriglyceridemia.

The findings showed that "you need to consider both common and rare variants in many genes simultaneously, and to use methods that will detect both types of variation" to understand the condition, according to Dr Robert Hegele from the University of Western Ontario.

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