Triglycerides are fats obtained from the diet that are carried in the blood. Most triglycerides consumed are in the form of butter, margarine and oils. Excessive caloric intake, including calories from alcohol and sugar, is also converted to triglycerides and is stored in fat cells in the body. Excess blood triglycerides are also referred to as hypertriglyceridemia. High triglycerides are often a sign of conditions, including obesity, that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Diet
Consuming a diet high in simple sugars, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol can elevate triglyceride levels. These types of foods may also be higher in total calories, which can contribute to weight gain or obesity. Simple sugars can include foods such as sweets, regular sodas, fruit drinks and alcohol. Alcohol is high in calories and sugar and even in small amounts can raise triglyceride levels. Trans fats are found in fried and commercial baked products such as cookies, crackers and snack cakes. Refined foods such as foods made with white flour may also increase triglyceride levels.
Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you are overweight, losing 5 to 10 pounds can help lower triglyceride levels. Obesity can also be linked to lack of exercise and a poor diet, which also contribute to elevated triglyceride levels.
Medical Conditions
Sometimes high triglycerides are a sign of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease or rare genetic conditions that affect how the body converts fat into energy. Other disorders such as Cushing Syndrome may also increase triglyceride levels. Underlying causes of elevated triglyceride levels such as diabetes, high blood pressure or hypothyroidism should be treated to avoid complications.
Heredity
Hereditary factors may be the most common cause of elevated triglyceride levels. Examples of genetic disorders related to cholesterol and triglycerides include familial combined hyperlipidemia, familial dysbetalipoproteinemia, familial hypercholesterolemia and familial hypertriglycerdemia.
Medications
Certain drugs such as estrogen or birth control pills, certain antidepressants, corticosteroids, retinoids, protease inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers and the breast cancer drug tamoxifen may increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
