Understanding High Triglycerides: Causes, Risks & Management

According to the Mayo Clinic, your triglyceride level can be an important indication of your heart health. High triglycerides may signal heart disease and are usually associated with other health dangers, such as obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol. There are some steps you can take to reduce your triglycerides and lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Identification

• Triglycerides are a type of fat produced when you consume more calories than your body burns, according to the Mayo Clinic. Triglycerides circulate in your blood and are stored in body fat.

Warning

• Triglyceride levels between 200 and 499 mg/dL are considered high. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping your triglycerides under 150 mg/dL.

Testing

• Triglycerides are usually checked during a lipid profile, which also tests your cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic recommends fasting for 12 hours before your test for an accurate measurement.

Effects

• An excess of triglycerides in your blood can cause your arteries to harden and narrow. According to the National Institutes of Health, this may increase your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke.

Treatment

• You can lower your triglycerides by losing weight, cutting calories and exercising. The NIH recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.