Elevated Triglycerides in PSC

Understanding Secondary Causes

Metabolic syndrome components, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes, can elevate triglycerides independently of PSC, according to the American Heart Association 1, 2
Excessive alcohol consumption is a common secondary cause of hypertriglyceridemia, as reported by the American Academy of Family Physicians 2
Certain medications, including thiazides, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants, can elevate triglycerides, as noted by the American Academy of Family Physicians 2
Dietary factors, such as high simple carbohydrate intake and weight gain, are major contributors to triglyceride elevation, as stated by the American Academy of Family Physicians 2

If triglycerides exceed 150 mg/dL, this represents a cardiovascular risk marker that warrants attention, especially if you have other metabolic risk factors, according to the American Heart Association 1, 2
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends lifestyle modification, including weight loss if overweight, reducing simple carbohydrates, increasing physical activity, and eliminating excessive alcohol, to address secondary causes of hypertriglyceridemia 2
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests reviewing medications to identify and modify any drugs contributing to hypertriglyceridemia 2
Triglyceride levels between 150-199 mg/dL are considered mildly elevated, and focus should be on lifestyle and secondary causes, as recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians 2
Triglyceride levels between 200-999 mg/dL are considered moderately elevated, and pharmacotherapy should be considered if cardiovascular risk factors are present, as stated by the American Academy of Family Physicians 2
Triglyceride levels ≥1000 mg/dL are considered severely elevated and require immediate treatment to prevent pancreatitis, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 2

The European Association for the Study of the Liver recommends monitoring fat-soluble vitamins, as PSC patients, especially with advanced disease, commonly develop deficiencies in vitamins A, D, and E that require screening and supplementation 3