Can fatty liver cause high triglycerides at 52 years of age?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 52, and my recent blood work scared me. My triglycerides came back at 620. I have had fatty liver since my 30s, but everything else was fine.

I do not drink alcohol, I do not smoke, and my sugars are not very high. Other cholesterol values are fine, but my triglycerides keep shooting up. My doctor mentioned pancreatitis risk, and now I am panicking.

Can fatty liver cause very high triglycerides at 52?
Are the liver and triglycerides related to each other?
Can this reverse, or is the liver damage already permanent?
How fast do triglycerides need to come down to be safe?

Diet changes are confusing, and I am scared one wrong meal will land me in the emergency room. I also get upper belly discomfort sometimes and keep wondering if that is pancreas pain.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

High levels of fat in your liver and high triglycerides are strongly connected, and one condition may worsen the other. Triglycerides in the amount of 620 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) raise the risk of pancreatitis and thus require urgent attention on your part.

Fortunately, fatty liver is highly treatable. A typical treatment plan involves lowering sugar and refined carbs intake, keeping the body at a healthy weight, exercising, and using drugs to reduce triglycerides.

Though a single meal is not likely to result in developing pancreatitis, it is still essential to follow the doctor’s recommendations. In case of severe pain in the upper abdomen, pain radiating to the back, vomiting, or fever, you will need immediate medical attention.

With continued lifestyle changes and proper medication, many people experience improvements in liver function tests and triglyceride levels. One must stay away from alcohol consumption, have themselves tested for diabetes and thyroid diseases, and conduct regular blood tests.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.