Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to control underlying conditions such as obesity, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.

Reducing calories, saturated fats, and cholesterol may significantly reduce cholesterol levels.

See also: Heart disease and diet

If high cholesterol and triglyceride levels continue despite diet changes, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Medicine to lower blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels include:

• Bile acid-sequestering resins
• Fibrates (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)
• Nicotinic acid
• Statins

Expectations (prognosis):

People with this condition have an increased risk for coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.

With treatment, most people show a significant reduction in lipid levels.

Complications:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Intermittent claudication
• Gangrene of the lower extremities

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have been diagnosed with this disorder and:

• New symptoms develop
• Symptoms do not improve with treatment
• Symptoms get worse