How Can I Manage High Triglyceride Levels?

Dangerous Triglycerides: What Levels to Watch Out For and Why

Triglycerides are a form of fat found in the blood. They are responsible for storing excess calories that the body ingests and converting them into energy. Normal triglyceride levels are <150 mg/dL. Levels ≥200 mg/dL are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and levels ≥500 mg/dL significantly increase the risk of pancreatitis and other complications.

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat (or lipid) which circulates in the blood. It is the most common form of fat found in the body. Your intake triglycerides from various food sources, such as butter, oils, and other fats.

At mealtime, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. After that, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals.

In case, you continuously eat more calories as compared to how much you burn, typically from high-carbohydrate foods, you may have hypertriglyceridemia due to high triglycerides.

High Triglycerides: Why do they matter?

Triglycerides are an important marker of cardiovascular and metabolic health and are interpreted alongside cholesterol levels and other risk factors. Triglycerides and cholesterol are different types of lipids that circulates in your blood. High level of triglycerides may aid to arteries hardening or artery walls thickening (atherosclerosis) which further enhance stroke risk, heart attack and disease. Very high triglyceride levels (typically ≥500–1,000 mg/dL) can cause acute pancreatitis.

High triglycerides are generally indicating other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, including obesity & metabolic syndrome- a group of medical conditions that includes too much fat around the waist, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, high triglycerides, and high blood sugar.

High triglycerides can also indicate:

• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Low thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) levels
• Certain rare genetic conditions that affect how your body converts fat to energy
   

Sometimes high triglycerides are a side effect of taking certain medications, such as:

• Diuretics
• Oestrogen and progestin
• Retinoids
• Steroids
• Beta blockers
• Immunosuppressant
• HIV medications
   

What are the Different Levels of Triglycerides?

You can undergo a blood test to obtain information about your triglyceride levels if they fall within a healthy range:

• Normal: The levels of triglycerides are less than 150 mg/dL.  
• Borderline High: When it ranges between 150 and 199 mg/dL.
• High: Levels of triglycerides are dangerous when they range between 200 and 499 mg/dL.
• Very High: If your triglyceride levels are 500 mg/dL or above, you can be running the risk of multiple health issues.
   

What is the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol?

Both triglycerides and cholesterol are forms of lipids that circulate across the body. Triglycerides store calories that are later converted into energy. However, cholesterol is a waxy substance that the liver makes that your body later uses to build cell walls that help your nervous system.

What are the Symptoms of High Triglycerides?

Having high triglyceride levels, if left untreated, carries the risk of serious complications such as a stroke or coronary heart attack. However, there are no significant symptoms the body displays. A routine lipid profile measures triglycerides along with total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol.

What Causes High Triglycerides?

Here is a list of lifestyle habits that increase the level of triglycerides in the blood:

• Smoking
• Thyroid disease
• Lack of physical activity
• Having a kidney or liver disease
• Consuming excessive alcohol
• Diabetes left unmanaged
• Consuming a diet high in sugar, saturated fats, and simple carbohydrates
• Prescription medication such as diuretics, hormones, corticosteroids, beta-blockers, and certain medications for HIV
• Having a BMI of more than 25
• Having an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis
   

What are the complications due to high triglycerides?

An increase in triglyceride levels makes you susceptible to pancreatitis. It is a severe and painful form of inflammation in your pancreas that can be potentially life-threatening. High levels of triglycerides increase the risk of heart-related (cardiovascular) diseases. 

Here is a list of a few:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack
• Carotid artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Strokes
• Metabolic syndrome (a combination of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity).
   

What Are the Preventive Measures to Reduce High Triglyceride Levels?

You have to make certain lifestyle changes to lower your triglyceride levels:

• Engaging in a physical activity for at least an hour every day.
• Incorporate a heart-healthy diet that has fewer unhealthy fats and simple sugars and more fibre and complex sugars.
• Take necessary measures to keep your blood pressure and diabetes in check.
• Cutting down on alcohol consumption
• Getting enough sleep
• Losing excess weight and maintaining a weight that is healthy for you
• Manage stress
• Avoid consuming tobacco products.

Taking frequent blood tests to monitor triglyceride levels is crucial, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help prevent major diseases.

Reader information: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Triglyceride levels, health risks, and treatment options can vary based on individual medical conditions and circumstances. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, test results, or before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medications. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of information provided in this content.

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