Triglyceride Management Guidelines

Introduction to Triglyceride Goals

• The American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association recommend a triglyceride goal of less than 150 mg/dL for adults 1, 2, 3

Classification and Monitoring of Triglyceride Levels

• The American Heart Association classifies normal triglyceride levels as <150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) 1, 2
• The American Heart Association recommends continuing routine monitoring for adults with triglyceride levels <150 mg/dL 2
• The American Heart Association suggests that lipid assessments may be repeated every 2 years in adults with low-risk lipid values (LDL-C <100 mg/dL, HDL-C >50 mg/dL, and triglycerides <150 mg/dL) 2, 4

Management of Elevated Triglycerides

• For patients with diabetes and elevated triglycerides, the American Diabetes Association recommends improved glycemic control as an effective method for reducing triglyceride levels 1
• The American Diabetes Association recommends a triglyceride goal of <150 mg/dL for patients with diabetes 1, 2
• For children and adolescents with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends optimal triglyceride goals of <150 mg/dL 3

Special Considerations for High-Risk Patients

• The American College of Cardiology suggests considering combination therapy with a fibrate or nicotinic acid and an LDL-lowering drug for high-risk patients with high triglycerides or low HDL-C 5, 6

Monitoring and Follow-Up

• The American Heart Association recommends measuring lipid levels at least annually in adults with risk factors 2
• The American Heart Association suggests more frequent monitoring for patients on lipid-lowering therapy or with persistently elevated triglycerides 2