Triglycerides - Triglycerides are off the charts?

Triglycerides are off the charts?

This question is pretty much a continuation of a question i've already asked -- "before and after the doctor." My husband, who is 25, just had a rude awakening at the doctor today. His triglycerides are 1,879, his total cholesterol is 328, and his HDL is 27. All of these numbers seem outrageous to me and the doctor was shocked, saying he's never seen numbers like that in a 25 year old. His blood pressure was also 152/110. My husband has an extensive history of heart disease in his family (his grandpa having 6 heart attacks and a triple bypass, and his dad also had bypass surgery). It's obviously not all genetics, I know how he eats and it's not good. I need some good suggestions from people who know what they're talking about to tell me what to do to help him bring down these numbers. I don't want comments like "take out a life insurance policy." If anyone can give me some good input on this situation, I'd appreciate it. Also, his medication is Tricor and Lisinopril.

Public Comments

Hi there - I am a Live Well Life Coach and would like to offer some advice....your husband needs to be on some high quality supplements including a good Omega-3 - Increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is associated with lower levels of inflammation and endothelial activation, according to results from a study at Harvard. Dysfunction of the endothelium, which is the inner lining of the blood vessel wall, is an early event in the development of atherosclerosis and subsequent heart disease. He should also be eating a more Mediterranean style diet, which includes more vibrant in color vegetables and less red meat. And, of course, he should be exercising 3-5 times a week for 30-60 minutes each time. I can recommend the #1 Nutriceutical company in North America if you would like to contact me, I would be more than happy to provide more information for you. :) jones1md@hotmail.com Thanks!!!
I am a pharmacist, I agree that your husband's test results are shockingly bad. If he wants to survive, he will need to modify his diet, his exercise regimen, and take more than 1 additional prescription medication. Between his cholesterol and his poorly controlled high blood pressure, his condition is way too serious to handle without seeing a cardiologist right away. I am not trying to scare you, but these are "ticking timebomb" type numbers, and he needs expert advice that is specifically tailored to him.
I have never heart of triglycerides being this high. Like the pharmacist said, he is a ticking time bomb. He needs aggressive medical treatment. The meds do not seem adequate. He needs to see a different doctor, preferably a specialist, either an internist or a cardiologist. Before he starts an exercise program he needs his doctor's permission. Raising his blood pressure with exercise with these kinds of lab values could kill him, though of course in the long run he will have to exercise, but it should be monitored medically. Please take him to a respected specialist right away. This is very scary. He may have associated risks and problems that could be addressed too. For instance, if he has sleep apnea that increases the risk of a heart attack and he could be sleeping with a CPAP machine that prevents the apnea. Good luck.
Yes, triglycerides can get that high, especially with a familial history of high lipids and heart disease. He should have the test repeated in a couple of days and make sure he is fasting for at least 12 hours. Have him start Fish Oil 2000mg nightly, Coenzyme Q10 100mg, and Niacin. He needs to increase his exericse level, and follow a better diet. That includes decreasing sweets, pastas, breads, and alcohol. A great diet to follow is the South Beach Diet. Increase the fiber in his diet. He needs to follow with a Doctor that specializes in Lipid Management. Also, if you have children or plan on having children, there is a lot of research in children with familial risks, which is fascinating. Check out the book on the South Beach Heart Program, a great book with great tips for non medical people to read. I recommend it to all of my patients. Best of luck!
If your husband won't change, and does not want to. There's not much you can do. Its no big news that he needs to take fats and sweets out of his diet, be eating some fruit and a lot more veggies, and become more active. I've never read of a cholesterol ratio of 12 to 1. A friend has TriG's of 500. Best thing to make the veggies more palatable is tomato-based salsa or chutney. Drink green tea, pomegranate, blueberry, purple grape, and orange juices, or water. Also no packaged baked goods (transfats), no dairy (milk, cheese, ice cream), minimal nuts. Is his heart weak already ? How much can he walk or do other exercise ? If he can handle it, he should walk a total of two hours a day. Not a slow stroll, but he also should not get worn out by it. He has a lot of things to change, and it won't be easy without support and a partner for the exercise. Having a dog to walk may be a good idea.
Eat less animal fat like cheese, eggs & meat.