|
| •
|
Base
initial management on lifestyle and dietary modification
|
| •
|
Consider
lipid-lowering agents (>1000 mg/dL) in absence of other risk
factors
|
| •
|
Consider
lipid-lowering agents at lower levels (>500 mg/dL) if other
risks are present
|
| •
|
Beware
of drug-drug interactions
|
Dube
MP et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2000;31:1216-24..
|
•
Elevated triglycerides represent an independent risk factor for
cardiovascular disease. The initial management of patients with
hypertriglyceridemia should be based on a foundation of lifestyle
and dietary modification.1 For example, stopping smoking and engaging
in regular aerobic exercise will reduce triglycerides and improve
overall cardiovascular health. Obese patients should be encouraged
to lose weight. Fat intake should also be decreased; however, patients
should be warned not to replace fat with an increased carbohydrate
intake, as this may raise triglycerides and lower HDL.
• Triglyceride levels greater than 1000 mg/dL put patients
at an increased risk for pancreatitis. In these cases, drug therapy
should be initiated.
• Patients with lower triglyceride levels less than 500 mg/dL
who have other risk factors, such as a prior history of pancreatitis,
should also be started on drug therapy.
• Whenever drug therapy is initiated in these patients, the
clinician should always be alert for drug-drug interactions.
Reference:
1. Dube MP, Sprecher D, Henry WK et al. Preliminary guidelines for
the evaluation and management of dyslipidemia in HIV-infected adults
receiving antiretroviral therapy. Recommendations of the adult ACTG
cardiovascular disease focus group. Clin Infect Dis. 2000;31:1216-24.
|
|
