High Triglycerides

High Triglycerides: the Basics

As evidence mounts that high blood cholesterol can lead to heart disease and other health risks, we're hearing more and more about high triglycerides. But exactly what does "high triglycerides" mean?  

Triglycerides are basically the chemical form containing fat that exists in food and in the human body. They can also be found in plasma. They are a major source of energy and the most common type of fat in your body.

When combined with cholesterol, triglycerides form something called plasma lipids. Triglycerides in plasma come from fats that are in the food we eat along fats produced by the body itself.

When our body doesn't burn all the calories that come from food we eat, those calories are converted to triglycerides and stored in fat cells. These fat cells are then burned as energy between meals.

The problem arises when the body uses fewer triglycerides than it stores, and fat levels begin to build up. When triglyceride levels become too high, a group of conditions called metabolic syndrome can result. This syndrome, which includes health threats like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, too much fat around the waist, and low HDL ("good") cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Triglycerides are measured by a blood test. Below 150 is considered good. High triglyceride levels are 200 or above.

Are There Symptoms of High Triglyceride Levels?

High triglycerides usually do not cause symptoms. However, people with high triglycerides often get pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can cause sudden, severe abdomen pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Lowering Your Triglyceride Levels

Anyone who is obese or overweight should try to shed some pounds: this is be the best way to lower triglycerides. The formula is simple--more exercise and a low cholesterol diet that includes cholesterol free foods--but not always easy to do.

Most nutritionists believe that limiting fats, sugars, and alcohol consumption will be helpful.

Some cholesterol-lowering medications called statins may also help. But drugs called nicotinic acid (or niacin) and fibrates have shown much promise in research. Your doctor may suggest a combination of options if high triglycerides are a problem. 

Related: Cholesterol Lowering Foods
 

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