Triglyceride Basics
When total cholesterol levels are measured after an overnight fast, one number included in the report is the level of triglycerides, a form of fat that travels through the bloodstream. Triglyceride levels that are too high can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems. But how high is too high?
The triglyceride level guidelines set by The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, are:
Normal: Less than 150 mg/dLBorderline High: 150 to 199 mg/dLHigh: 200 to 499 mg/dLVery High: Greater than 500 mg/dL
High Triglycerides and Atherosclerosis
High (and very high) triglyceride levels are linked to atherosclerosis, a condition in which cholesterol and other substances form plaques within the walls of an artery. If a plaque ruptures, the plaque fragments or blood clots can block the flow of blood in either an artery supplying the heart, which could cause a heart attack, or an artery supplying the brain, which could cause a stroke.
There are other important factors in the development of atherosclerosis—above all, the levels of LDL, the so-called “bad cholesterol.” Contributing factors to the development of atherosclerosis include obesity and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a pre-diabetic condition marked by an impaired response to insulin, the main hormone involved in the transfer of food energy to cells throughout the body.
The American Heart Association’s scientific statement in 2011 says triglyceride is not a direct cause of atherosclerosis but it is a marker of cardiovascular disease risk.
What Causes High Triglycerides?
While it is difficult to determine the specific cause of high triglyceride levels, elevated levels are associated with a number of factors, including:
Obesity: Excess weight generally increases the blood level of triglycerides. Medical Conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, low thyroid function, and liver disease are all associated with elevated triglyceride levels. Age: Triglyceride numbers tend to creep up as you age. Poor Diet: Too much sugar or alcohol can increase the number of triglycerides produced in the liver. Medications: Oral contraceptives, steroids, and diuretics are all associated with high triglyceride levels. Heredity: High triglyceride levels may just run in the family.
Triglycerides and Stroke
As a risk factor, triglyceride levels have traditionally been viewed as the sidekick to the other components of the standard lipid panel: total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL (the “good cholesterol”). Elevated LDL levels have been deemed the prime suspect in the development of stroke. While this still appears to be the case, some authorities have suggested that triglyceride levels may independently increase the risk of stroke. More studies are needed to confirm this suggestion.
So, while LDL cholesterol is still considered to be the main lipid-related cardiovascular risk factor you and your healthcare provider should still pay attention to your triglyceride levels.
Getting Triglycerides Under Control
Individuals with high triglyceride levels should know that there are things that can be done to help lower triglyceride levels, including possibly taking medications, such as fenofibrate and purified omega-3 fatty acids. You can see a reduction by as much as 50 percent with lifestyle change:
Lose Excess Weight: If you are overweight, losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight may lower your triglycerides as much as 40 points. Exercise: Physical activity helps rid the body of excess fat, but even without weight loss, exercise can decrease the levels of fats in your blood. Choose Fish Instead of Steak: Meat, such as steak or pork, is high in saturated fat, but fish (especially deepwater, fatty fish such as albacore tuna and salmon) are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to fight off high triglyceride levels. Be Cautious About Cocktails: Even moderate alcohol intake can considerably elevate triglyceride levels. On the other hand, moderate alcohol consumption also helps boost your HDL, the “good cholesterol,” making this a complicated issue and one worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
