Which medication is primarily known for decreasing triglyceride levels?

Disable ads (and more) with a premium pass for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist Exam. Use quizzes with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations to boost your readiness and increase your chances of success.

Fibrates are primarily known for decreasing triglyceride levels due to their specific mechanism of action. They activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which play a key role in lipid metabolism. This activation leads to an increase in the oxidation of fatty acids and a reduction in hepatic synthesis of triglycerides, ultimately resulting in lower triglyceride levels in the bloodstream.

Additionally, fibrates can also increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Their effectiveness in addressing high triglyceride levels makes them particularly useful in patients with dyslipidemia where triglycerides are a significant concern.

In contrast, other classes of medications, while they may have various effects on cholesterol and overall lipid profiles, do not primarily target triglyceride levels as their main action. Statins primarily lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, ACE inhibitors focus on blood pressure control, and beta-blockers are generally used for managing cardiovascular conditions but do not significantly affect triglyceride levels.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy