An estimated 12 percent, or nearly 27 million Americans, have heart disease, thanks, in part, to triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that's meant to be used as energy. When triglyceride levels are too high, your chances of developing coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome increase. While the body does produce some triglycerides, the type associated with chronic disease is mostly from an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.
Triglyceride Levels
Triglyceride levels are measured as normal, borderline high, high and very high. A desirable triglyceride reading is less than 150 mg/dL and borderline high is between 150 and 199 mg/dL. Mg/dL, which refers to milligrams per deciliter, is the traditional measurement for tests that determine blood levels of different substances, including cholesterol.
Triglycerides and Cholesterol
Triglycerides and cholesterol are different types of lipids, also known as fatty acids, that circulate in the blood. The purpose of triglycerides is to store unused calories and provide your body with energy. Cholesterol is responsible for building cells and maintaining hormone levels.
Why Triglycerides are Important
Triglycerides, like cholesterol, cannot dissolve in blood. Along with proteins, they help transport fatty acids to cells to be used as energy. Above-normal triglyceride levels may contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of artery walls, both of which increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Lowering Triglyceride Levels
Lowering triglyceride levels can happen in a few days, notes the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Losing between 5 and 10 lbs., if you're overweight, can help lower triglyceride levels. Reducing calorie intake will lower triglyceride levels in your blood and prevent them from being stored as fat. Because triglycerides and cholesterol are so strongly linked, by consuming no more than 300 mg of cholesterol a day -- and less than 200 mg if you have heart disease -- you can limit triglyceride levels in your blood. Substitute healthier monounsaturated fats, from plant sources like olives and nuts, and eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, instead of saturated fats found in red meat and whole-fat dairy products.
