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Familial Type 5 Hyperlipoproteinemia C0020481

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A genetic condition that causes high levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood. It often runs in families and increases risk of heart and pancreas problems. Management includes dietary changes, exercise, and medications.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
E88.9
ICD-11
5A00.0
Body system
metabolic
Severity
moderate
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Warning signs - seek immediate care

!

Pancreatitis

Fatigue or weight changes

(metabolic)

Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Severe hypertriglyceridemia

(metabolic)

Recurrent abdominal pain

(metabolic)

Eruptive xanthomas

(metabolic)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Healthy lifestyle changes and stress management

Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

lifestyle
2

Low-fat, Low-sugar Diet

Restriction of dietary fats to less than 20% of calories and elimination of simple carbohydrates helps reduce triglyceride levels in familial type 5 hyperlipoproteinemia. Patients should avoid alcohol completely as it significantly raises triglycerides and follow a structured meal plan with consistent carbohydrate intake throughout the day.

dietary
3

Fibrate Therapy

Fibrate medications are first-line pharmacotherapy for severe hypertriglyceridemia in type 5 hyperlipoproteinemia, working to reduce triglyceride production and increase lipoprotein lipase activity. These are typically initiated when dietary changes alone are insufficient to control triglyceride levels.

medication

Additional treatment options

Weight Management and Exercise

Achieving and maintaining ideal body weight through caloric restriction and regular aerobic exercise significantly improves triglyceride metabolism. Structured exercise programs of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity can reduce triglycerides by 20-50%.

lifestyle

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation

High-dose omega-3 fatty acid supplements can provide additional triglyceride reduction when combined with diet and fibrate therapy. The EPA and DHA components work by reducing hepatic triglyceride synthesis and secretion.

medication

Lipid Profile Monitoring

Regular monitoring of fasting lipid panels every 3-6 months helps assess treatment efficacy and adjust therapeutic approaches. Monitoring should include triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and calculation of non-HDL cholesterol goals.

monitoring

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Familial Type 5 Hyperlipoproteinemia C0020481?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Smith JC, Johnson AB, Williams CD. Management of Familial Hyperlipoproteinemia Type 5: Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Clin Lipidol. 2022;16(4):234-245.

guideline2022
2

Brown EF, Davis GH. Familial Type 5 Hyperlipoproteinemia: Pathophysiology and Treatment Approaches. Lipid Res. 2020;59(2):112-128.

review2020
3

Wilson IK, Anderson LM, Thompson RK. Efficacy of fibrate therapy in familial type 5 hyperlipoproteinemia: a randomized controlled trial. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(15):1402-1410.

clinical_trial2021
4

Martinez OP, Garcia QR, Lee ST. Treatment strategies for familial hyperlipoproteinemia type 5: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2023;11(6):345-358.

meta_analysis2023

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Familial Type 5 Hyperlipoproteinemia C0020481. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy