Triglycerides are a type of fat that along with cholesterol forms the body's plasma lipids. The body obtains triglycerides from the breakdown of fat-containing and carbohydrate foods in the diet. When you eat, calories that are not immediately used for energy are converted to triglycerides, stored as fat and released when needed. Continually eating more calories than are burned off, especially calories derived from simple carbohydrates, can lead to elevated triglycerides. Keeping triglyceride levels in the normal range is important for overall heart health.
Importance
A normal triglyceride level indicates your body is using the calories that are ingested efficiently, and keeping triglyceride levels normal reduces your risk of developing heart disease. When triglyceride levels are elevated, it increases the chance of developing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This can lead to coronary artery disease, increasing the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Extremely high triglycerides, over 1,000 mg/dL, also can increase the risk of developing pancreatitis.
Risk Factors
There are several risks factors that can cause elevation of triglycerides out of the normal range, including eating a diet high in carbohydrates and fats, drinking an excessive amount of alcohol, being overweight, smoking and having an inactive lifestyle. Certain medical disorders, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, also can increase the risk of developing high triglyceride levels.
Normal Levels
Normal triglyceride levels are considered to be 150 mg/dL or less, but the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that triglyceride levels of 100 mg/dL and higher were found to increase the risks for developing heart disease. The American Heart Association lists triglycerides levels of 150 to 199 mg/dL as being borderline-high, 200 to 499 mg/dL as high and over 500 mg/dL as very high.
Testing
Triglyceride levels are evaluated using a blood test that requires an eight- to 12-hour fast from food and beverages, according to MedlinePlus. Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, beta blockers and some anti-psychotic medications, can affect the results. Inform your physician of all of the medications and supplements you are taking before having the blood test.
Keeping Triglycerides Normal
The best way to keep triglycerides normal is to eat a proper diet. A healthy diet contains healthy whole grain carbohydrates, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. MayoClinic.com recommends limiting the amount of calories and sugary carbohydrates and eliminating trans fats. It also suggests losing weight if necessary, increasing physical activity, reducing consumption of alcohol and stopping smoking.
