Prescription omega-3s: an overview for nurse practitioners.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) often take a multidisciplinary approach when treating and educating patients. Collaboration with a registered dietitian is not uncommon when treating patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides [TGs] ≥500 mg/dL). Patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia should be treated and managed to normalize TG levels (TG level <150 mg/dL). Treatment for severe hypertriglyceridemia is often 3-fold, including lifestyle changes, diet modification, and pharmacotherapy. Therapeutic lifestyle changes are generally the first step in lowering TG levels. Registered dietitians promote a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Evidence has been mounting to support consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid to decrease TGs. When lifestyle and diet changes do not effectively decrease TGs, NPs will recommend pharmacological therapy as a next step. A viable pharmacological option includes prescription omega-3 (P-OM3) fatty acid ethyl esters. Each 4-g/d dose of P-OM3 provides 465 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 375 mg of docosahexaenoic acid. Clinical trials show that P-OM3 can safely and effectively decrease TGs by 45% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Nurse practitioners play an important role in the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia and in the education of patients about lifestyle and diet changes that can greatly impact patients' health.

Acute pancreatitis and hypertriglyceridemia.

Pancreatitis is a condition characterized by painful inflammation of the pancreas and can be either chronic or acute. The most common causes of acute pancreatitis (AP) in the United States are gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, significantly elevated serum triglyceride levels can precipitate episodes of AP. Genetic defects are associated with severe elevations in serum triglyceride levels, whereas poorly controlled diabetes, obesity, and high-fat diets can contribute to elevated triglyceride levels substantial enough to provoke pancreatitis (secondary hypertriglyceridemia). Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-induced AP consists of immediate reduction in serum triglyceride levels and long-term medications and lifestyle modifications. Nurses are instrumental in patient education about lifelong treatment strategies.

Anthropometric Indicators in Hypertriglyceridemia Discrimination: Application as Screening Tools in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The use of anthropometric indicators as discriminators of hypertriglyceridemia has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this article is to comparatively evaluate anthropometric indicators as discriminators of hypertriglyceridemia in older Brazilian adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study derived from population-based epidemiological research involving 316 community-dwelling older adults (60-105 years old). RESULTS: Except for the conicity index and the body adiposity index in the group of women, all other anthropometric indicators (i. e., body mass index, waist and calf circumferences, triceps skinfold thickness, and waist-stature and waist-hip ratios) were sufficient to identify hypertriglyceridemia in the population. CONCLUSIONS: We endorse anthropometric indicators for use in screening for hypertriglyceridemia in older Brazilian adults.

Treatment options for patients with the metabolic syndrome.

PURPOSE: To review clinical and laboratory findings that will enhance nurse practitioner (NP) recognition of the metabolic syndrome and to increase awareness of recent treatment guidelines and treatment options. DATA SOURCES: Professional association practice guidelines, government documents, original research articles, and journal articles. CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic syndrome is a prevalent condition characterized by a cluster of lipid and nonlipid abnormalities, including atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated fasting blood glucose, hypertension, and abdominal obesity. Many persons with this syndrome are also insulin resistant. Prompt recognition and treatment of the metabolic syndrome can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Clinical guidelines recommend treating the metabolic syndrome as a secondary target of lipid-lowering therapy after addressing the primary target, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: NPs are in an instrumental position to manage treatment for patients with the metabolic syndrome by (a) evaluating risk factors, including abdominal obesity, physical inactivity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, and elevated fasting blood glucose; (b) assisting in the modification of lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise; (c) implementing pharmacological therapy when needed; and (d) providing psychosocial support to encourage therapeutic adherence.

The risks and benefits of switching antipsychotics: a case study approach.

PURPOSE: Progression of metabolic illness in a patient with schizophrenia who was stabilized on an atypical antipsychotic is described using a case study framework. Risks and benefits of staying on current treatment versus switching to another agent and switching strategies are described. CONCLUSIONS: Switching an antipsychotic with more favorable side effects may improve metabolic parameters if other weight loss strategies have failed. Switching or stopping medications too quickly may exacerbate psychiatric symptoms. There is little evidence to support which is the best switching strategy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner carries a significant responsibility of discussing risks and benefits of switching and closely monitoring the patient during a switch of medications. Ensuring that the patient decides and agrees upon the treatment plan will improve the overall outcome.

Hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein: risks for coronary artery disease?

Elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol have been well established as risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). Several large clinical trials have demonstrated that lipid lowering decreases the incidence and mortality that results from CHD. However, a high percentage of subjects in these studies did not receive benefit from LDL lowering. Many experts believe that other lipid disorders may play a significant role in the atherogenic process, including elevated triglyceride levels alone or in association with a low level of HDL. Do elevated triglyceride levels pose an increased risk for CHD? This article describes the research done evaluating this question, as well as the influences of lifestyle changes and pharmacologic interventions on these dyslipidemias.