Triglycerides are a vital source of energy, but when levels become dangerously high, they can lead to serious health complications, including pancreatitis. One such condition, chylomicronemia, is a rare but severe disorder in which triglyceride levels exceed 1,000 mg/dL, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications.

A study, “Epidemiology and Longitudinal Course of Chylomicronemia: Insights from NHANES and a Large Health Care System,” published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of this disorder. Led by researchers from Baylor College of Medicine, this study delivers critical insights into the prevalence, risk factors, and long-term progression of chylomicronemia, equipping health care providers with essential knowledge to improve patient outcomes.

By analyzing data from nearly 22,000 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and more than 1.2 million individuals from the Mayo Clinic health system, researchers found that chylomicronemia affects approximately 1 in 500 U.S. adults.

The study also identified key populations at higher risk, including men, individuals aged 40–59, and Hispanic populations. However, only 8.8% of cases—approximately 1 in 5,500 people—develop persistent chylomicronemia, the form of the disease associated with the highest risk of pancreatitis.

“Our research provides a pragmatic approach to identifying and managing patients at the highest risk for pancreatitis and other complications,” said Dr. Christie M. Ballantyne, professor of medicine and chief of cardiovascular surgery research at Baylor, cardiologist at the Texas Heart Institute and senior author of the study, emphasizing the clinical importance of these findings. “By understanding the long-term course of this condition, we can better target emerging therapies to those who need them most.”

For health care professionals, this study offers valuable guidance in recognizing and managing chylomicronemia more effectively. With a clearer understanding of disease prevalence and risk factors, clinicians can identify patients at the greatest risk for pancreatitis, emphasize the importance of follow-up triglyceride measurements, and prepare for emerging therapies that could substantially reduce the disease burden in high-risk populations.

“Persistent chylomicronemia is a clear indicator of increased risk for severe disease,” added Dr. Seyedmohammad Saadatagah, lead author and researcher at Baylor. “By shifting the focus to long-term triglyceride trends rather than a single measurement, we can better identify the patients who are most in need of aggressive intervention.”

As the understanding and research of lipid disorders evolves, studies like this play a critical role in shaping future treatment strategies. With new therapeutic agents on the horizon, particularly for patients with persistent chylomicronemia, these insights will help guide more precise and effective interventions.

The research team of leading experts in lipid metabolism also include: Mohammadreza Naderian, MD, Mayo Clinic, Miriam Larouche, MD, Université de Montréal, Daniel Gaudet, MD, Université de Montréal, and Iftikhar J. Kullo, MD, Mayo Clinic.