High Triglycerides: Causes, Risk Factors & What You Need to Know

One third of American adults have high triglyceride levels, according to CNN Health. While doctors cannot pinpoint specific causes, certain diet and lifestyle choices increase the risk of developing the condition.

Triglycerides

• Excess calories from food get converted into triglycerides. Stored in fat cells, they get released as energy when required by the body.

Normal Levels

• Measured with a blood test administered after an overnight food and alcohol fast, levels lower than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered normal by most doctors.

Significance

• The two most common reasons for high levels include obesity and untreated diabetes. Other known risk factors may involve genetic susceptibility, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption and high carbohydrate diets.

Considerations

• Given the fact the triglycerides remain in the blood stream for about 10 hours after a meal, inadequate fasting may artificially elevate test results. Doctors recommend strictly following the 12 hour fasting rule before a test for accurate results.

Expert Insight

• Dr. Andrew Weil, author of 8 Weeks to Optimum health, recommends reducing intake of alcohol, particularly beer, avoiding saturated and trans fats, increasing consumption of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids in a diet and getting regular exercise to bring triglycerides into the normal range.