The term "metabolic syndrome" describes a number of conditions that together pose a risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Exact definitions vary, but having an elevated triglyceride level is one of the risk factors associated with the syndrome. High triglycerides, a type of fat, can raise your risk of heart disease. As many as 40 percent of Americans over age 50 may have metabolic syndrome, The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports.
Definition
Having elevated triglyceride levels is only part of the picture in metabolic syndrome. Other risk factors include excess abdominal fat; a decreasing ability to utilize insulin, the hormone that aids in glucose absorption into cells; and abnormal cholesterol levels, with high low-density lipoprotein and low high-density lipoprotein levels. C-reactive protein, which indicates inflammation, is often elevated. Hypertension is often present as well. Normal triglyceride levels should stay below 150 mg per deciliter; levels between 150 and 199 mg/dL are considered borderline, and levels over 500 mg/dL are considered very high.
Causes
The main cause of metabolic factor appears to be insulin resistance -- the inability of cells to react normally to insulin, MayoClinic.com states. Insulin resistance leads to more insulin production as your body attempts to force the cells to respond to insulin. High insulin levels raise lipid levels, including triglycerides, MayoClinic.com explains. Metabolic syndrome and high triglyceride levels may both have a genetic component.
Results
High levels of lipids, which include triglycerides, increase the risk of atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup inside the blood vessels. Plaque damages the inside of the blood vessel walls, which leads to inflammation and scarring. The interior of the blood vessel narrows, reducing blood flow through the vessel. Clots that form on the inflamed walls can break off and travel to blood vessels near the brain, causing stroke. If vessels narrow too much, blood can't reach the heart, and a heart attack occurs.
Treatment
Both lifestyle changes and medication can treat metabolic syndrome and high triglyceride levels. Exercising 30 to 60 minutes per day, losing weight and limiting saturated fats in the diet help treat both conditions. Weight loss of as little as 7 percent of total weight can possibly reverse metabolic syndrome, The Merck Manuals suggests. Oral medication that lowers glucose levels may also help. Substances found to lower triglycerides include omega-3 fatty acids, niacin and cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins and fibrates.
Concerns
Left untreated, metabolic syndrome and high triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and stroke is the third most common cause, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2009 statistics. Diabetes is in seventh place as a cause of death.
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