What are high triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. Your body uses them for energy. You need some for good health. But high triglyceride levels are linked with a higher risk of coronary artery disease. A high level may be a sign of metabolic syndrome. Very high levels raise your risk of pancreatitis.
What are the symptoms of high triglycerides?
High triglycerides usually don't cause symptoms. But if the condition is genetic, you may see fatty bumps under your skin.
How are high triglycerides diagnosed?
A blood test is used to measure triglycerides. It's most accurate if it's done after you go without food or drink for 9 to 14 hours (fasting).
Triglyceride levels are:
- Normal when they are less than 150 mg/dL.
- Moderately high when they are 150 to 499 mg/dL.
- Very high when they are 500 mg/dL or higher.
How are high triglycerides treated?
A healthy lifestyle can help lower triglyceride levels. A healthy lifestyle can also help lower your risk of coronary artery disease. Some people also take medicine to lower triglycerides. Lowering levels can also lower your risk of pancreatitis.
A healthy lifestyle includes:
- Losing weight and staying at a healthy weight.
- Limiting saturated fats and limiting foods and drinks that have a lot of sugar.
- Being active.
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol.
- Not smoking.
- Keeping blood sugar in a target range if you have diabetes.
Your doctor will check for and treat other health problems that might be causing your high triglycerides. These may include hypothyroidism or kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust or stop any medicines that might raise your level.
Caring for yourself when you have high triglycerides
A healthy diet and lifestyle can help lower your triglycerides level and lower your risk of coronary artery disease.
- Lose weight, and stay at a healthy weight.
Triglycerides are stored as fat in your tissues and muscles.
- Limit foods and drinks that have a lot of sugar.
These include sugar-sweetened desserts, soda pop, and fruit juice.
- Limit saturated fats.
These are found in animal-based foods like meat, butter, milk, and cheese. They are also found in coconut oil, palm oil, and cocoa butter.
- Choose a heart-healthy eating plan.
Eat a diet that's rich in vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats, and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods.
Eating oily fish may lower your levels. These fish include salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, and sardines.
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. Alcohol has a strong effect on triglycerides.
- Be active on most days of the week.
Before you start to be more active, check with your doctor to be sure it's safe.
Try to do moderate activity at least 2½ hours a week. Or try to do vigorous activity at least 1¼ hours a week.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar in your target range.
- Don't smoke.
If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed.
Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
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