Back to Health Resources
High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know for a Healthy Heart
High triglyceride counts are commonly found in blood tests and they can increase your risk of heart problems over time. But they are often overlooked. What exactly are triglycerides and why are they important?
After you eat, your body turns extra calories it doesn’t need right away into a type of fat known as triglyceride. These fats are then stored in our cells and later released for energy between meals. Triglycerides are therefore crucial for providing us with energy but having too many in your blood can raise your risk of serious health problems.
How do I know if I have high triglycerides?
Doctors can check triglyceride levels with a blood test known as a lipid panel. This test also measures total cholesterol, LDL-C (“bad” cholesterol), and HDL (“good” cholesterol).
According to the American Heart Association, a normal fasting triglyceride level is below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Levels between 150 and 199 mg/dl are considered borderline high, 200 - 499 mg/dl are high, and 500 mg/dl or more is very high. Very high triglycerides can increase the risk of pancreatitis, a painful and potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas.
High triglycerides are often linked to lifestyle choices. Eating too many sugary and processed foods and drinking too much alcohol can raise levels because when you eat more calories than your body needs, the extra energy is stored as triglycerides. Being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and smoking can also increase your levels.
Beyond lifestyle choices, some health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, low thyroid levels, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome, can make triglyceride levels go up. Certain medicines, including some steroids and hormone treatments, may also raise levels.
Symptoms and Treatments
Most people with high triglycerides do not have symptoms, and many find out only after a routine blood test. High triglyceride counts going unnoticed is especially dangerous because over time they can help cause a buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. This can narrow the arteries and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, and the risk is even higher if a person also has high LDL-C or low HDL cholesterol.
To combat this, researchers are studying better ways to lower triglyceride levels and protect the heart. Researchers are studying medications that block proteins involved in triglyceride production and clearance. Other approaches aim to turn down proteins that slow the body’s ability to clear triglycerides, helping triglycerides leave the bloodstream faster. Further treatments are focusing on reducing how much triglyceride enters the blood in the first place.
In the meantime, triglyceride levels can often be controlled. A heart-healthy diet is an important first step. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil and fish while cutting back on sugary drinks and processed foods. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, such as brisk walking. Losing even a small amount of weight, 5 to 10 percent of your body weight, can make a big difference in lowering your triglyceride levels.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, doctors may prescribe medication or supplements. Options may include fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, or statins.
Triglycerides are a normal part of how your body stores energy but having high levels can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. By following healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing weight, you can help keep your triglycerides in check. In some cases, medical care and medications may also be needed.
Ongoing research is helping doctors discover new treatments and medications that could more effectively lower triglycerides and protect heart health in the future.
CONTRIBUTING EXPERT
Chandar Abboy, MD
Dr. Abboy is a physician board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine. He is a Principal Investigator at Care Access, overseeing multiple clinical trials.
SOURCES
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/hdl-good-ldl-bad-cholesterol-and-triglycerides
- https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/high-blood-triglycerides.htm
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-triglycerides
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Care Access is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Our products and content are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Explore More Health Resources
STORIES from the Heart