Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition that affects more than 50 million adults in the United States, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It occurs when blood flowing through your circulatory system exerts too much force on artery and blood vessel walls. Although high sodium intake is the most commonly known contributor to high blood pressure, high triglycerides are also a common cause of hypertension.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are lipids, or fats, found in your bloodstream. These fats are essential for producing energy. Your body converts unused calories into triglycerides and stores them as fats, then uses them as necessary for fuel and cellular repair. Triglycerides are blood-insoluble, so they remain in your circulatory system, transported by lipoproteins.
Triglyceride Levels
Triglyceride levels of less than 150 mg per dL of blood are considered normal, according to MayoClinic.com. A level between 150 and 199 mg per dL is considered borderline-high, and a level between 200 and 499 mg per dL is high. Levels over 500 mg per dL are considered very high.
Effect on Blood Pressure
High triglyceride levels can increase your risk of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This condition is characterized by inflexibility and thickening of arterial walls. This reduces the space available for blood flow, which can cause high blood pressure. Hypertension forces your heart muscles to work harder than normally necessary to pump blood through your circulatory system, which can weaken these muscles and contribute to heart disease. High blood pressure caused by elevated triglyceride levels may also increase your risk for stroke.
Lowering Triglycerides
Obesity may contribute to elevated triglyceride levels -- losing weight may help bring these levels within normal ranges. Also, limiting refined flours and sugars, saturated fats and dietary cholesterol may help lower triglyceride levels. Alcohol avoidance and daily exercise may have a beneficial effect on these levels.
Certain drugs and supplements, including niacin, essential fatty acids and statins may lower blood triglycerides by reducing levels of lipoproteins in your bloodstream.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Triglycerides -- Why Do They Matter?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Triglyceride Level
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
