Triglycerides
Fats are carried in the blood. Triglycerides can come from foods we eat or from storage of extra calories we do not burn off. Stored calories are called body fat.
When are Triglyceride Levels High?
For adults, a triglyceride level below 135 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl) is normal, but only if blood cholesterol levels are also in the desirable range. Triglyceride levels above 135 mg/dl are high. To get an accurate measurement of your triglyceride level, fast for 12 hours (overnight), then go to your doctor’s office or a laboratory and get a blood test; this same test can also be used to measure your total cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.
- Desirable - cholesterol less than 200 mg/dl; triglyceride less than 135 mg/dl
- Borderline High - cholesterol 200-239 mg/dl; triglyceride 135-160 mg/dl
- High - cholesterol 240 mg/dl and over; triglyceride 160 mg/dl and above
Do High Triglycerides Promote Heart Disease?
Evidence suggests that high triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart disease. Very high triglycerides levels (above 1000) can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and abdominal pain. Many people who have borderline high triglycerides (135-160 mg/dl) also have high blood cholesterol or low levels of HDL cholesterol (less than 35mg/dl) that will also increase risk of heart disease.
A medical check up is the best way to determine your risk. Your physician will consider your cholesterol and triglycerides as well as other risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, family history and body.
What Can Raise My Triglycerides?
Weight - Probably the most common cause of mildly high triglycerides is excess body weight.
Diet - A high calorie diet with excess alcohol, fat, and sugar can increase triglyceride levels.
Medications - Drugs such as steroids or those used to treat high blood pressure can also increase triglycerides. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects of your medications.
Illness - Diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid disease can cause a rise in blood triglycerides.
Heredity - Some people have an inherited tendency for high triglycerides, but even inherited high levels can be controlled.
How Can I Reduce My Triglycerides?
Lose Weight - If you are overweight, reducing weight will help you lower blood triglycerides.
Exercise - Begin an exercise program. Start by walking 3-4 times each week for 30-60 minutes, then gradually work up to bicycling, swimming, or other aerobic exercise.
Eat Right - Eat fewer high-fat foods, and in their place eat more:
- Breads
- Vegetables
- Poultry
- Cereals Fruits
- Lean Meats PastasFish
- Low-fat diary products
Limit Sugar - Eat less sugar and sugar-containing foods. Use less sugar-sweetened soft drinks, fruit drinks, candy, cakes, pies and cookies.
Limit Alcohol - If you choose to use alcohol, use in small to moderate amounts only. Some people can turn very small amounts of alcohol into many triglycerides.
Read Food Labels Carefully - The labels should tell you the amount of calories and fat per serving. Note the serving size.
