Etymed
hypertriglyceridemia
Definition
A medical condition characterized by elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood
Clinical context
A 35-year-old obese woman presents to the clinic with recurrent epigastric pain and nausea. Laboratory studies reveal extremely elevated triglyceride levels of 1,200 mg/dL. Physical examination shows eruptive xanthomas on her arms and thighs. Her family history is significant for early-onset cardiovascular disease. This patient's severe hypertriglyceridemia puts her at risk for acute pancreatitis.
Mnemonic
TRIGLYCERIDES - Think 'Tired, Rapid heart rate, Gastrointestinal symptoms, Liver enlargement, Yellow skin, Eruptive xanthomas, Gout, and Pancreatitis' - all associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia
These morphemes also unlock…
- hyper- — above; excessive
- tri- — three
- glycerid/o — glyceride (from glykeros, sweet)
- -emia — blood condition