Most cholesterol tests usually measure triglycerides, which are not a type of cholesterol. However, triglycerides are associated with both types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. Like cholesterol, triglycerides are types of lipids (fats) that travel through the blood to perform essential functions in the body. High levels of triglycerides, like high LDL cholesterol, can pose risks to heart health.
We spoke with Nieca Goldberg, M.D., a New York cardiologist and member of the HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council, to discuss what can be done to manage high triglyceride levels.
How Do High Triglyceride Levels Affect My Risk of Heart Attacks or Cardiovascular Accidents?
A standard lipid profile measures total cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides, but this number is often overlooked. This shouldn’t be the case because high triglyceride levels increase the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular accidents by promoting atherosclerosis, the build-up of cholesterol and inflammatory factors in the walls of blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. Very high triglyceride levels are also associated with pancreatitis, another important reason to keep triglycerides in check.
How Can I Tell If I Have High Triglyceride Levels?
There are no symptoms if you have high triglyceride levels. So the first step is to have a lipid profile done and ask about your triglyceride level. High threshold levels exceed 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), high levels exceed 200 mg/dL, and very high levels exceed 500 mg/dL. If the level is higher than 150 mg/dL, talk to your healthcare provider about how to better manage cardiovascular risk associated with any elevated triglyceride level.
Should I Avoid Certain Foods If I Have High Trigliceride Levels?
The first step to controlling cardiovascular risk associated with elevated and high triglyceride levels is to analyze what you’re eating. Alcohol, fats, simple carbohydrates, and sugars can raise your triglyceride levels. Instead of eating foods high in saturated fats, simple sugars, and starches, opt for a Mediterranean-style diet with complex carbohydrates like whole grains, plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as omega-3. These are the types of fats found in fish, olives, canola oil, or avocado oil. Weight loss diets and exercises can improve triglyceride levels. It’s also important to reduce your alcohol intake.
How Can I Reduce My Triglyceride Levels and My Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases?
Often, if triglyceride levels are slightly elevated, a simple dietary change such as eating more fish is sufficient, along with a healthy diet and more exercise. However, if your levels are moderate or high, your doctor may prescribe fish oil or prescription omega-3, which have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than over-the-counter dietary supplement options. Some of these prescription fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), while others contain only a purified form of EPA called ethyl-icosapentate (EPA). These products will lower your triglyceride level and may reduce your risk of pancreatitis, but not all of them reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and cardiovascular accidents. However, clinical trials have shown that prescription omega-3 with pure EPA, called ethyl-EPA, reduces your risk of cardiovascular diseases when used with statins, cholesterol-reducing medications.
Other medications called fibrates can reduce triglyceride levels, but it has not been shown that the most commonly used fibrates reduce the risk of heart attacks or cardiovascular accidents.
This educational resource was prepared with the support of Amarin.
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