Triglycerides are necessary for your body to function properly. On the other hand, elevated blood triglyceride levels can increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. Lipids, a form of fat that circulates in your blood, include triglycerides. These are the most prevalent kinds of body fat. Foods, particularly butter, oils, and other fats, are the source of triglycerides. Additionally, excess calories that your body does not immediately need are the source of triglycerides. In fat cells, unused calories are deposited as triglycerides. Triglycerides are released by your body when it requires energy. Certain triglycerides are necessary for optimal health. On the other hand, elevated blood triglyceride levels can increase your risk of stroke and heart disease.
Lipid disorders include high blood triglycerides. As part of the metabolic syndrome, this illness may manifest alone or in conjunction with other lipid disorders such as low HDL cholesterol or high blood cholesterol. It is fairly common to have high blood triglyceride levels. It can impact up to one in four adults. Genes, lifestyle choices, medications, and certain medical conditions can increase your risk of high blood triglycerides. Modifications to your lifestyle that promote heart health may reduce blood triglycerides levels.
Triglycerides are not the same as cholesterol. Every cell in the body contains cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like material. Using specific blood tests, triglyceride and cholesterol levels are evaluated. Let’s learn more about triglyceride and also get an insight into causes, symptoms, and treatment for high triglycerides.
Also Read: How Do You Know If You Have High Cholesterol?
What are Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are fats that we consume through our diet. Triglycerides are the most common kind of fats found in foods like butter. Triglycerides are created by the body from excess sugar, alcohol, and calories. They are stored by your body in fat cells all over your body, much like pantry shelves. Later, when you need triglycerides, you can use them. An increased risk of heart and vascular (blood vessel) illness can result from having excessive triglycerides, or hypertriglyceridemia. This encompasses stroke and heart attack.Both cholesterol and triglycerides are classified as lipids since they are fatty molecules. However, cholesterol is not a fat, but triglycerides are. Your liver produces the waxy material known as cholesterol. It is used by your body to support your nervous system and form cell membranes. It also has a significant impact on hormone production and digestion.
Also Read: Difference Between Good and Bad Cholesterol
What is the Normal Range of Triglycerides?
Triglycerides in adults should not exceed 150 mg/dL. A normal triglyceride level for adolescents aged 10 to 19 is less than 90 mg/dL. Your doctor looks at several aspects of your lipid levels including HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels to determine your total cholesterol. You run a higher risk of heart attack and stroke if your HDL cholesterol is low but your triglycerides and LDL cholesterol are high. For adults, high triglyceride levels are classified as:- Mild: 150-199 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
- Moderate: 200-499 mg/dL
- Severe: Greater than 500 mg/dL
What Causes High Triglycerides?
Following are the reasons that may result in high levels of triglycerides in the blood:- Excessive alcohol intake
- Unmanaged diabetes
- High consumption of sugary treats
- Excessive intake of saturated fat and simple carbohydrates.
- Liver diseases
- Kidney diseases
- Medications like diuretics, hormones, corticosteroids, beta blockers, and some HIV medications.
- BMI higher than 25
- Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
- Tobacco smoking
- Thyroid disorders
- Poor physical activity
- Family history of high cholesterol or high triglycerides.
- Menopause
- HIV
- Pregnancy
- Inherited lipid metabolism disorder
What are the Symptoms of High Triglyceride Levels?
Similar to elevated cholesterol, elevated triglycerides seldom result in symptoms. For this reason, you should have regular lipid blood tests to assess your cholesterol levels. You should fast for eight to twelve hours before a lipid blood test in order to get the most accurate reading.What are Triglycerides Tests?
Age and other cardiovascular risk factors will determine the optimal testing schedule. Adults should have a cholesterol test every four to six years, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Triglyceride levels are measured by the conventional cholesterol test or lipid profile. Blood must be drawn for the simple test to determine its contents. Before the test, the individual might have to fast. By avoiding the usual spike in triglyceride levels that occurs immediately after eating, fasting helps the doctor better understand baseline levels.How to Control Triglycerides?
Triglyceride levels can be controlled by making dietary and lifestyle changes. To maintain healthy levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides:- Physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily
- Eating heart-healthy diet with fewer unhealthy fats and simple sugars (carbohydrates) and more fiber
- Manage blood pressure
- Control diabetes
- Cut back on alcohol intake
- Take adequate sleep
- Lose weight (if needed) and maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.
- Manage stress levels
- Quit tobacco products
What is the Treatment for High Triglyceride Levels?
To lower triglyceride levels, people who are at high risk for heart attacks, strokes, or other issues may require medication. These could include medications like statins for reducing cholesterol.Conclusion
Triglyceride levels that are too high raise your risk of pancreatitis and heart disease. High triglyceride levels might result from consuming excessive amounts of calories through food or drink. Fortunately, there are things you may do to reduce your triglyceride levels. Your doctor can make recommendations for heart-healthy lifestyle modifications. Medications can also be helpful if necessary.Choose Asian Hospital for an accurate diagnosis and the best care from our expert cardiologists and the best cardiac surgeon in Mumbai. High triglyceride levels can increase your risk of a heart attack. Book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: Can high triglycerides be reversed?A: Yes, in many cases, lifestyle changes and medications can lower triglyceride levels.
Q2: What foods should I avoid with high triglycerides?
A: Avoid sugary beverages, baked goods, fried foods, red meats, and processed snacks.
Q3: Are high triglycerides genetic?
A: Yes, familial hypertriglyceridemia is a genetic condition that causes high triglyceride levels.
Q4: Do high triglycerides always lead to heart disease?
A: Not always, but they are a significant risk factor, especially when combined with other conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes.
Q5: What causes triglycerides to increase?
A: Eating too many refined carbs, sugar, alcohol, being overweight, uncontrolled diabetes, and lack of physical activity are common causes.
Q6: How can I lower triglyceride levels naturally?
A: Exercise regularly, eat more fiber and healthy fats, cut down on sugar and alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight.
