What does HTG mean in LABORATORY

Definition

Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition where blood levels of triglycerides – a type of fat – are higher than normal. Triglycerides are produced from the body’s breakdown of carbohydrates and fatty acids, as well as dietary fats from food we eat. High levels of triglycerides in the blood can increase the risk for developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.

Causes

Hypertriglyceridemia can be caused by certain lifestyle factors such as a diet high in saturated fat or trans fats, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity and obesity. Diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, some medications (such as birth control pills) and genetic factors can also contribute to high triglyceride levels. In some cases the cause may be unknown.

Symptoms

Most people with hypertriglyceridemia do not experience any symptoms; however in some cases there may be signs such as abdominal pain due to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), severe itching (pruritus) or yellowing of the skin (jaundice). In extreme cases an individual may experience chest pain due to narrowing vessels caused by high blood lipids (atherosclerosis).

Diagnosis

Hypertriglyceridemia is diagnosed through various lab tests including measurements of total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol HDL "good" cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. The diagnosis should ideally be confirmed with two separate tests that measure different lipid components taken at least one week apart from each other since elevated lipids may fluctuate over time due to various triggers such as food intake or stress related events.

Treatment & Prevention

Hypertriglyceridemia is often managed with lifestyle modifications such as changes to diet – reducing saturated fats and increasing fiber foods - exercise, quitting smoking/alcohol consumption plus weight loss if deemed necessary by your physician. Medications may also be used when needed; these include fibrates to lower triglyceride levels, niacin to raise HDL levels or statins to reduce total cholesterol levels among others according to individual needs after assessing health risks such as diabetes mellitus etc.. For people at increased cardiovascular disease risk medication reduction or withdrawal will need close monitoring under healthcare provider's supervision since this increases cardiovascular event risks like stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack).