Ingested and unused fat calories and carbohydrates in your body convert into triglycerides, a chemical form of fat that works together with cholesterol to form plasma lipids. When you consume calories your tissues either use them for energy or convert them and store them in your fat cells for future energy reserve. Healthy triglyceride levels positively impact your health while excess levels may be detrimental to your physical well-being.
Levels
If your body contains a normal level of triglycerides, it means that your hormones are releasing them in between meals and your body is using them for energy fuel. A triglyceride level less than 150 mg/dL indicates a normal value while 150 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL indicates a borderline high triglyceride level. Scores of 200 to 499 mg/dL are considered high, and your triglyceride level is very high if it is 500 mg/dL or higher.
High Triglyceride Levels
A high triglyceride level indicates hypertriglyceridemia, or excess triglyceride buildup in your plasma. The condition is linked to coronary artery disease in some patients and typically accompanies a high total cholesterol level, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Additionally, a high triglyceride level may indicate untreated diabetes.
Causes
Cigarette smoking, excess body weight, a sedentary lifestyle and a diet very high in carbohydrates may cause your triglyceride levels to increase higher than normal. The Harvard Medical School reports that moderate alcohol intake increases triglyceride levels in some people.
Testing
A lipid profile is a blood test that determines your triglyceride level. Contact your doctor to schedule an appointment and testing. Triglyceride testing requires that you fast from food and alcohol 9 to 12 hours before the test. Eating food or drinking alcohol may affect your score.
Prevention/Solution
The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide recommends adhering to the same recommendation for lowering cholesterol if you have high triglyceride levels. Losing weight, incorporating more physical activity into your weekly routine and eating food low in saturated and trans fat may help return your triglyceride to normal. The AHA recommends reducing your carbohydrate intake to less than 60 percent of your daily calories. Omega-3 fats and niacin may help lower your triglyceride levels, notes the Harvard Medical School. Assessing and monitoring your alcohol intake may help you achieve or maintain a normal triglyceride level.
Considerations
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reports that inadequate evidence and information concerning triglycerides prevents them from recommending routine triglyceride screening. Contact your doctor to set up a screening and to discuss your concerns. Consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
Statin, a cholesterol-lowering medication may also reduce your triglyceride levels while bile acid sequestrants, a class of cholesterol-reducing medications, raise triglyceride levels.
References
- American Heart Association: Triglycerides
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
- American Heart Assocation: Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
- Harvard Medical School: Should You Worry About High Triglycerides?
- "ACE Personal Trainer Manual"; American Council on Exercise; 2003
