Medical care professionals who may play a role in
your care30

Your primary care team

Your primary care team includes the medical providers you see for most routine medical visits. The team usually includes doctors/physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and various others, such as lab personnel and medical technicians.

Primary care practices may also fall under family medicine, general practice, internal medicine, pediatric medicine, or geriatric medicine.

For many people, a primary care team manages their severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG). Your primary care doctor may send you to a specialist if:

  • Your triglyceride levels are extremely high.
  • Your triglyceride levels do not come down during treatment.
  • You have certain inherited types of sHTG.
  • You have other medical conditions related to sHTG that need specialist care.

Even if you go to a specialist for sHTG care, it is important that your primary care team knows about all the treatments you receive, so they can adjust your care accordingly.

Specialists

Certain doctors and medical practices specialize in treatment of people who have sHTG and similar conditions. The medical doctors listed in this section have expertise and advanced professional certification in their specialty.

Lipid Specialists: experts in the diagnosis and treatment of people with lipid disorders such as sHTG. Search for a lipid specialist near you at Foundation of the National Lipid Association website.

Cardiologists: experts in the diagnosis and treatment of people with diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Some focus on the role of lipid disorders in these diseases.

Endocrinologists: Experts in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the body’s hormones and endocrine glands, including pancreas disorders, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. Search for an endocrinologist near you at the Endocrine Society website.

In some situations, a gastroenterologist or pancreatologist may take part in your medical care.

Other healthcare providers who may help you manage sHTG

Your treatment plan may include changes to your diet, lifestyle, and exercise patterns. To many people, these changes are the hardest part of lowering their triglyceride levels. Other healthcare providers may be able to help make it easier.

Ask your doctor how these providers can help and if they should be on your healthcare team. You may also need to check with your medical insurance provider to see if these services are covered.

Make sure the providers you choose are qualified. Your doctor can help, but some hints are included below.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) have extensive training, education, and certification. They have the credentials “RDN” or “LRD” (for “licensed registered dietitian”) listed after their name.

Be aware that anyone can call themself a dietitian or nutritionist, even if they have little or no training or expertise. Make sure you are working with an RD or RDN.

RDs and RDNs do a lot more than just plan meals. They can also help you stay motivated, adjust your lifestyle, and they can work with you and your family to find meal plans that work for all of you.

The website for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a tool to help you find a registered dietitian nutritionist to help you.

RDs and RDNS may specialize in treating certain conditions, so make sure the professional you choose can help manage your sHTG.

Although the website you are on now offers extensive information on nutrition for sHTG, people who get individual support from an RD or RDN have more success than people who follow standard advice32, so make sure you are working with a dietitian who as RD or RDN credentials.

Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) are also trained and certified professionals who help with diabetes meet their treatment goals, such as blood sugar levels, body weight, medication regimens, and exercise goals. Because many people with sHTG also have diabetes, these professionals can help many people meet their goals for treating both diabetes and sHTG.

The website for the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists has a tool to help you find a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in your area.

Exercise Specialists can work with you and other members of your team to develop an exercise program that is safe for you, that you enjoy and fits with your preferences, and that can help lower your triglyceride levels.

Behavioral Health Consultants, Social Workers, Counselors, and Psychologists can help you change your lifestyle and habits in healthful ways, and overcome barriers that are making it hard for you to live a more healthful life.

Genetic Counselors can help you understand your family history, the pros and cons of genetic testing, and the results of genetic testing, If necessary.

what is yOUR role on your healthcare team? >