Triglycerides are a type of lipid, a fatty substance found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts excess calories into triglycerides that are stored in fat cells. These triglycerides are then released between meals to provide energy. However, consistently consuming more calories than you burn can lead to high triglyceride levels.
Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with blocked arteries (atherosclerosis), which can cause cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks. Very high triglyceride levels can also lead to inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis. Triglycerides are measured through a simple blood test, often done as part of a lipid profile test.
Normal triglyceride levels are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). High triglyceride levels (200-499 mg/dL) increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Factors like diet, untreated diabetes, liver or kidney diseases, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, high BMI, thyroid disease, and lack of physical activity can all contribute to high triglyceride levels.
Women should also pay attention to their triglyceride levels, as cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women in the US. Risk factors like birth control pills containing estrogen, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, and ethnicity can also impact triglyceride levels and cardiovascular health.
Making lifestyle changes can help reduce triglyceride levels, such as limiting refined carbohydrates and sugars, reducing alcohol intake, avoiding saturated and trans fats, and engaging in regular exercise. If lifestyle changes are not enough, medication may be prescribed, including statins, fibrates, and omega-3 fatty acids. Regular monitoring of triglyceride levels is important for maintaining overall heart health.
