Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood synthesized from fats in foods or from unused energy in the body. Triglycerides are stored in fat cells for future use as energy. However, if the body does not need to use as much energy as is consumed, triglycerides may accumulate. Elevated triglyceride levels can lead to serious health problems.
Interpreting Levels
According to the Mayo Clinic, triglyceride levels may be interpreted as:
Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL; borderline high: 150 to 199 mg/dL; high: 200 to 499 mg/dL; very high: 500 mg/dL or above
Abnormal Levels
The American Heart Association states that high triglycerides are usually a lifestyle-related risk factor due to: excess weight/obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or a low protein, high carbohydrate diet.
However, genetic disorders or underlying diseases may also be the cause of high triglycerides, such as: a family history of high triglycerides (rare), hypothyroidism, pancreatitis, poorly controlled diabetes, cirrhosis, or medications such as beta blockers, birth control, diuretics and steroids.
Low triglycerides may be attributed to: a low fat diet, malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, malabsorption, or medications such as niacin, gemfibrozil or fenofibrate.
Health Risks
According to Medline Plus, high triglyceride levels can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. Elevated levels are often accompanied by high cholesterol levels, which also indicate an increased risk for heart disease.
Testing
A lipid panel, also known as a complete cholesterol test, is a simple blood test that measures the four types of fats circulating in the blood: Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides. This test is very important because it can identify the risks for developing heart disease.
The National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for detection of high cholesterol recommend all adults over the age of 20 have a fasting lipoprotein profile performed every five years. However, cholesterol should be checked more often if: other risk factors for heart disease and stroke--high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes--exist; total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or more; man over 45; woman over 50; HDL is less than 40 mg/dL.
Lowering Triglycerides
The key to lowering triglyceride levels is making lifestyle changes. The American Heart Association recommends that patients: Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight; Reduce or eliminate excessive calories, from fats, proteins, carbohydrates and alcohol; Sparingly consume saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol; Limit alcohol consumption as small reductions of alcohol can lead to big changes in plasma triglyceride levels; Eat fruits, vegetables and nonfat or low-fat dairy products often; Exercise for at least 30 minutes for five or more days each week; Substitute fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon) for meats high in saturated fat; Stop smoking.
