{"categories":"Condition,Person Group Concept,Person Group Concept,Theme of Focus","keywords":"Diagnosable condition,High blood cholesterol,Age Concept,Adult,19 to 44 younger,Age Concept,Adult,45 to 64 middle,Clinical Focus Value Set,Definition","abstract":"\u003cp\u003eLike cholesterol, triglycerides can cause health problems. Here's how to lower your triglycerides.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Triglycerides: Why do they matter?","body":"\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you've been keeping an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, there's something else you might need to monitor: your triglycerides.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHaving a high level of triglycerides in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease. But the same lifestyle choices that promote overall health can help lower your triglycerides, too.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eWhat are triglycerides?\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eTriglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you regularly eat more calories than you burn, particularly from high-carbohydrate foods, you may have high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eWhat's considered normal?\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eA simple blood test can reveal whether your triglycerides fall into a healthy range:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003eNormal \u0026mdash; Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eBorderline high \u0026mdash; 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L)\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eHigh \u0026mdash; 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol)\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eVery high \u0026mdash; 500 mg/dL or above (5.7 mmol/L or above)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour doctor will usually check for high triglycerides as part of a cholesterol test, which is sometimes called a lipid panel or lipid profile. You'll have to fast before blood can be drawn for an accurate triglyceride measurement.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eWhat's the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol?\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eTriglycerides and cholesterol are different types of lipids that circulate in your blood:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eTriglycerides store unused calories and provide your body with energy.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eCholesterol is used to build cells and certain hormones.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eWhy do high triglycerides matter?\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh triglycerides may contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls (arteriosclerosis) \u0026mdash; which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. Extremely high triglycerides can also cause acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh triglycerides are often a sign of other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, including obesity and metabolic syndrome \u0026mdash; a cluster of conditions that includes too much fat around the waist, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol levels.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh triglycerides can also be a sign of:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eType 2 diabetes or prediabetes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eMetabolic syndrome \u0026mdash; a condition when high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eLow levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eCertain rare genetic conditions that affect how your body converts fat to energy\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSometimes high triglycerides are a side effect of taking certain medications, such as:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eDiuretics\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eEstrogen and progestin\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eRetinoids\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSteroids\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBeta blockers\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSome immunosuppressants\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSome HIV medications\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eWhat's the best way to lower triglycerides?\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eHealthy lifestyle choices are key:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExercise regularly.\u003c/strong\u003e Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week. Regular exercise can lower triglycerides and boost \"good\" cholesterol. Try to incorporate more physical activity into your daily tasks \u0026mdash; for example, climb the stairs at work or take a walk during breaks.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.\u003c/strong\u003e Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and foods made with white flour or fructose, can increase triglycerides.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLose weight.\u003c/strong\u003e If you have mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia, focus on cutting calories. Extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. Reducing your calories will reduce triglycerides.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose healthier fats.\u003c/strong\u003e Trade saturated fat found in meats for healthier fat found in plants, such as olive and canola oils. Instead of red meat, try fish high in omega-3 fatty acids \u0026mdash; such as mackerel or salmon. Avoid trans fats or foods with hydrogenated oils or fats.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLimit how much alcohol you drink.\u003c/strong\u003e Alcohol is high in calories and sugar and has a particularly potent effect on triglycerides. If you have severe hypertriglyceridemia, avoid drinking any alcohol.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eWhat about medication?\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf healthy lifestyle changes aren't enough to control high triglycerides, your doctor might recommend:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatins.\u003c/strong\u003e These cholesterol-lowering medications may be recommended if you also have poor cholesterol numbers or a history of blocked arteries or diabetes. Examples of statins include atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor).\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFibrates.\u003c/strong\u003e Fibrate medications, such as fenofibrate (TriCor, Fenoglide, others) and gemfibrozil (Lopid), can lower your triglyceride levels. Fibrates aren't used if you have severe kidney or liver disease.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFish oil.\u003c/strong\u003e Also known as omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can help lower your triglycerides. Prescription fish oil preparations, such as Lovaza, contain more-active fatty acids than many nonprescription supplements. Fish oil taken at high levels can interfere with blood clotting, so talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNiacin.\u003c/strong\u003e Niacin, sometimes called nicotinic acid, can lower your triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol \u0026mdash; the \"bad\" cholesterol. Talk to your doctor before taking over-the-counter niacin because it can interact with other medications and cause significant side effects.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your doctor prescribes medication to lower your triglycerides, take the medication as prescribed. And remember the significance of the healthy lifestyle changes you've made. Medications can help \u0026mdash; but lifestyle matters, too.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e","doc_id":"ART-20048186","object_id":"b52e84bd-217c-4961-a444-0c9e18aebe62","updated_at":"2018-09-13","meta_keywords":"","benefit_summary":"\u003cp\u003eTriglycerides are an important measure of heart health. Here's why triglycerides matter \u0026mdash; and what to do if your triglycerides are too high.\u003c/p\u003e","sections":{"":"\u003cp\u003eIf you've been keeping an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, there's something else you might need to monitor: your triglycerides.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHaving a high level of triglycerides in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease. But the same lifestyle choices that promote overall health can help lower your triglycerides, too.\u003c/p\u003e","What are triglycerides?":"\u003cp\u003eTriglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you regularly eat more calories than you burn, particularly from high-carbohydrate foods, you may have high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia).\u003c/p\u003e","What's considered normal?":"\u003cp\u003eA simple blood test can reveal whether your triglycerides fall into a healthy range:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003eNormal \u0026mdash; Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eBorderline high \u0026mdash; 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L)\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eHigh \u0026mdash; 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol)\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eVery high \u0026mdash; 500 mg/dL or above (5.7 mmol/L or above)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour doctor will usually check for high triglycerides as part of a cholesterol test, which is sometimes called a lipid panel or lipid profile. You'll have to fast before blood can be drawn for an accurate triglyceride measurement.\u003c/p\u003e","What's the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol?":"\u003cp\u003eTriglycerides and cholesterol are different types of lipids that circulate in your blood:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eTriglycerides store unused calories and provide your body with energy.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eCholesterol is used to build cells and certain hormones.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","Why do high triglycerides matter?":"\u003cp\u003eHigh triglycerides may contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls (arteriosclerosis) \u0026mdash; which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. Extremely high triglycerides can also cause acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh triglycerides are often a sign of other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, including obesity and metabolic syndrome \u0026mdash; a cluster of conditions that includes too much fat around the waist, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol levels.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh triglycerides can also be a sign of:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eType 2 diabetes or prediabetes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eMetabolic syndrome \u0026mdash; a condition when high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eLow levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eCertain rare genetic conditions that affect how your body converts fat to energy\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSometimes high triglycerides are a side effect of taking certain medications, such as:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eDiuretics\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eEstrogen and progestin\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eRetinoids\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSteroids\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBeta blockers\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSome immunosuppressants\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSome HIV medications\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","What's the best way to lower triglycerides?":"\u003cp\u003eHealthy lifestyle choices are key:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExercise regularly.\u003c/strong\u003e Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week. Regular exercise can lower triglycerides and boost \"good\" cholesterol. Try to incorporate more physical activity into your daily tasks \u0026mdash; for example, climb the stairs at work or take a walk during breaks.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.\u003c/strong\u003e Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and foods made with white flour or fructose, can increase triglycerides.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLose weight.\u003c/strong\u003e If you have mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia, focus on cutting calories. Extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. Reducing your calories will reduce triglycerides.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose healthier fats.\u003c/strong\u003e Trade saturated fat found in meats for healthier fat found in plants, such as olive and canola oils. Instead of red meat, try fish high in omega-3 fatty acids \u0026mdash; such as mackerel or salmon. Avoid trans fats or foods with hydrogenated oils or fats.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLimit how much alcohol you drink.\u003c/strong\u003e Alcohol is high in calories and sugar and has a particularly potent effect on triglycerides. If you have severe hypertriglyceridemia, avoid drinking any alcohol.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","What about medication?":"\u003cp\u003eIf healthy lifestyle changes aren't enough to control high triglycerides, your doctor might recommend:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatins.\u003c/strong\u003e These cholesterol-lowering medications may be recommended if you also have poor cholesterol numbers or a history of blocked arteries or diabetes. Examples of statins include atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor).\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFibrates.\u003c/strong\u003e Fibrate medications, such as fenofibrate (TriCor, Fenoglide, others) and gemfibrozil (Lopid), can lower your triglyceride levels. Fibrates aren't used if you have severe kidney or liver disease.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFish oil.\u003c/strong\u003e Also known as omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can help lower your triglycerides. Prescription fish oil preparations, such as Lovaza, contain more-active fatty acids than many nonprescription supplements. Fish oil taken at high levels can interfere with blood clotting, so talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNiacin.\u003c/strong\u003e Niacin, sometimes called nicotinic acid, can lower your triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol \u0026mdash; the \"bad\" cholesterol. Talk to your doctor before taking over-the-counter niacin because it can interact with other medications and cause significant side effects.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your doctor prescribes medication to lower your triglycerides, take the medication as prescribed. And remember the significance of the healthy lifestyle changes you've made. Medications can help \u0026mdash; but lifestyle matters, too.\u003c/p\u003e"},"has_flash":false,"flash_content_url":null,"flash_content_height":null,"flash_content_width":null}