Triglycerides are a form of fat that is found in the body and in some foods. The body needs some fat to function properly. However, if triglyceride levels get too high, the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke go up. When triglyceride levels are between 150 to199 mg/dL they are considered borderline high and when they reach 500 mg/dL or higher, they are considered dangerously high. To help prevent heart disease, it is important to know what causes an elevated triglyceride level and what steps can be taken to keep it under control.
Diet
High triglycerides or hypertriglyceridemia can be the result of a diet high in calories, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Any extra calories consumed are converted to triglycerides and stored in fat cells, states the American Heart Association. This occurs if the calories are protein, carbohydrates or fats. The first step in lowering triglyceride levels is to maintain a healthy weight and only eat the number of calories your body needs. No more than 35 percent of your total calories each day should be from fats. Saturated fat intake should be no more than 7 percent of that, and trans fat less than 1 percent. Focus your daily intake on monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and limit daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a general term used when there are multiple factors present that increase the risk of heart disease. These factors can also contribute to high triglyceride levels. The Johns Hopkins website explains that this includes being overweight, having high blood pressure, a poor diet, a waist size greater than 40 inches in males, or a waist measurement greater than 35 inches in females. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of heart disease even more.
Genetics and Medications
According to the National Institutes of Health there is a form of high triglyceride called familial hypertriglyceridemia. This condition runs in the family and is due to a genetic defect that causes triglyceride levels to be high. The goal of treatment is regular screening to test triglyceride levels, and then choosing healthy lifestyle behaviors in order to keep it under control. In addition, certain medications, such as birth control pills, estrogen therapy, corticosteroids, heart medications, and some antidepressants can cause high triglyceride levels as a side effect.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause the liver to produce excess triglycerides, claims the Henry Ford Health System website. These conditions include diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems, alcoholism and lupus. With these conditions, constant monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices can help to keep levels low.
