Understanding High Triglycerides: Causes, Risk Factors & Management

Triglycerides are fat molecules found in your blood. Any calories your body does not need for energy are converted to triglycerides. They are measured as part of a cholesterol test. People with a high triglyceride level often have a high cholesterol level. Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise is the best way to control your triglyceride level.

Diet

• Eating a diet with too much fatty food will cause a high triglyceride level. Consuming too many calories from alcohol and sugar can also cause levels to go up.

Gaining Weight

• Typically, higher triglyceride levels coincide with weight gain. The more fat you have on your body, the higher your triglyceride level.

Medical Conditions

• Several medical conditions, including kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes, are associated with high triglyceride levels.

Age

• As people get older, their triglyceride levels increase. This is one reason why heart disease becomes more common as people age.

Medications

• A known side effect of certain medications, including diuretics, oral contraceptives and some steroids, is an increase in triglyceride levels.

Genetics

• In some cases, a high triglyceride level is a genetic condition. This includes hypertriglyceridemia.