Along with high cholesterol, elevated triglyceride levels comprise what is medically known as lipid disorder. According to the American Heart Association, triglycerides form directly from fats eaten in some foods or are converted from ingested carbohydrates. When triglyceride levels are elevated, the chance of developing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, stroke and heart disease is increased. Extremely high triglyceride levels increase the danger of developing pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas. Fortunately, there are treatments available for high triglycerides.
Determine Triglyceride Levels
Triglycerides are measured in milligrams per deciliter, recorded as mg/dL. According to MayoClinic.com, the normal range for triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL. Borderline high is 150 to 199 mg/dL, and for high triglycerides is 200 to 499 mg/dL. A triglyceride levels more than 500 mg/dL is considered very high and a dangerous health situation. Triglyceride levels typically are checked by your physician as part of a cholesterol test called a lipid panel. Some diseases can cause elevated triglyceride levels as part of their course, including diabetes, kidney disease and inherited cholesterol disorders.
Make Some Dietary Changes
High triglyceride levels often can be lowered by instituting healthy dietary changes. According to HealthCentral, eating less sugars and grains, or carbohydrates, and reducing the amount of saturated fats in the diet can help lower triglyceride levels. Carbohydrates break down into glucose, which stimulates insulin production. Higher insulin levels signal the liver to produce triglycerides. Eating less carbohydrates leads to less insulin being produced and lowers triglycerides. Dietary recommendations include eating whole grains, fruits and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, drinking skim milk instead of whole milk and choosing reduced-fat foods.
Adopt An Exercise Program
Insulin production directly effects the formation of triglycerides by the liver. According to High-Triglycerides.com, exercise is an effective way of reducing insulin levels. It recommends adopting a regular exercise program to include working out at least three times per week for 30 minutes, combining both aerobic and resistance exercises. Being overweight can predispose you to developing high triglycerides through an inactive lifestyle, so having a regular exercise program can help maintain a healthy body weight.
Restrict Alcohol Consumption and Stop Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase triglyceride levels. According to the American Heart Association, even moderate amounts of alcohol can impact triglyceride levels negatively. Men should not have more than two drinks per day, and women should not have more than one. Quitting smoking is another way to lower triglyceride levels, along with the added benefit of lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart attack.
Treat With Medication
When lifestyle and dietary changes fail to lower triglyceride levels, medication might be prescribed by your physician, particularly when coronary artery disease is also present. The type of medication prescribed to lower triglyceride levels depends on the levels of overall cholesterol. According to Health.com, statins, such as Lipitor, are used to combat elevated LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels. Fibrate medication, such as Lopid, is used to lower triglyceride levels and boost HDL, the "good" cholesterol. Statins and fibrates cannot be taken together because of the threat of a serious interaction between them.
