Severe Hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG)
A rare metabolic disorder that leads to severe, widespread impacts on patient health
SHTG is characterized by extremely high triglyceride levels, with fasting triglyceride levels at or above 500 mg/dL. Around 2% of the US population currently suffers from SHTG, with numbers expected to rise due to the growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes.
When insulin resistance occurs, the production of triglycerides increases while the body’s ability to clear triglycerides from the blood decreases. This results in high circulating triglyceride blood levels.1 Persistent elevation of triglyceride levels can lead to abnormal fat accumulation in organs such as the liver, pancreas, heart, and muscles, potentially causing lipotoxicity and further insulin resistance.
Presence of SHTG triggers the onset and worsening of multiple comorbidities, potentially leading to life-threatening consequences
As triglyceride levels exceed 500 mg/dL, the risk of severe conditions such as acute pancreatitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are elevated. Both illnesses are associated with life-threatening outcomes, including organ failure and death.
Obesity, T2DM, and liver disease all contribute to insulin resistance which in turn increases triglyceride production and impairs clearance. Further, many patients with SHTG have multiple ASCVD risk factors and an enhanced risk for developing ASCVD. Therefore, addressing both the triglyceride levels, the underlying conditions, and CV risk factors are essential for reducing the risk of associated complications.
~ 60% of patients diagnosed with SHTG present with 1 or more metabolic comorbidity
