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

Triglycerides are a form of fat found in the bloodstream, and along with cholesterol they form the group known as plasma lipids (fats). Elevated triglyceride levels may result from a number of different factors.

The Facts

• Most of the body's fat is stored in the form of triglycerides. Excessive triglycerides in the blood can lead to a condition called hypertriglyceridemia, which is linked to increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Causes

• According to the peer-reviewed service, Lab Tests Online, elevated triglyceride levels may be triggered by factors including physical inactivity, obesity, kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, significant alcohol intake, smoking, under active thyroid function (hypothyroidism) and genetic predisposition.

Triglyceride Levels

• According to the American Heart Association, safe blood triglyceride levels are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Levels above 200 mg/dL are considered high. Levels above 500 mg/dL are considered very high.

Lowering Triglycerides

• The Mayo Clinic lists several options to lower triglyceride levels. These include losing weight, lowering calorie intake, exercising regularly, avoiding refined or sugary foods and avoiding alcohol use.

Considerations

• Researchers are not entirely sure how high triglycerides affect the body. In many cases, foods high in triglycerides are also high in cholesterol, which poses a substantial health risk on its own.