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Primary Prevention Hyperlipidaemia — MRCGP AKT MCQ

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HardCardiologyPrimary Prevention HyperlipidaemiaMRCGP AKTUKMLAPARAPSA

An asymptomatic adult has triglycerides of 12.6 mmol/L on a non-fasting lipid profile. There is no acute pancreatitis. What does NICE recommend next?

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Correct answer: C — Repeat a fasting level within 2 weeks, review causes and seek advice if still above 10

For triglycerides between 10 and 20 mmol/L, NICE recommends repeating the measurement using a fasting sample after at least 5 days but within 2 weeks. Potential secondary causes, including alcohol, poor glycaemic control, hypothyroidism and relevant medicines, should be reviewed. Specialist advice is sought if the fasting triglyceride concentration remains above 10 mmol/L. This pathway is distinct from the urgent referral threshold above 20 mmol/L. QRISK assessment does not replace investigation of a severe triglyceride abnormality and its pancreatitis risk.

Reference: NICE NG238, management of triglycerides between 10 and 20 mmol/L. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng238/chapter/recommendations