Understanding Triglycerides: Levels, Causes & Treatment

At normal levels, triglycerides pose no harm. However, when levels begin to spike, it may be a sign of a current or future illness, ranging from heart disease to type 2 diabetes.

Definition

• Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the bloodstream. Our bodies convert the calories we don̵7;t consume into triglycerides and then transport them to fat cells where they are stored for later use.

Tests

• Lipid profiles are ordered to measure triglyceride levels. These tests also measure total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.

Normal Levels

• Normal levels of triglycerides fall below 150 mg/dL. Borderline-high levels are between 150 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL.

High Levels

• High levels of triglycerides are above 200 mg/dL, with very-high levels reaching above 500 mg/dL.

Meaning

• High levels of triglycerides are associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease. Other conditions such as obesity, cigarette smoking, type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism also may cause high levels of triglycerides.

Treatment

• Triglyceride levels can be lowered by eliminating refined and sugar-laden foods, losing weight, exercising regularly, eating more fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and cutting calories. Some cases may require prescription medications such as fenofibrate (Tricor) and niacin.