What High Triglycerides Can Do to You

High triglycerides can lead to a number of health problems, including:

* Increased risk of heart disease: Triglycerides are a type of fat that can build up in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

* Pancreatitis: High triglycerides can also lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be a serious medical condition that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

* Fatty liver disease: High triglycerides can also cause fat to build up in the liver, leading to fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease can damage the liver and lead to liver failure.

* Insulin resistance: High triglycerides can also lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body does not respond well to the hormone insulin. Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

* Other health problems: High triglycerides have also been linked to a number of other health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.

It is important to keep your triglyceride levels in a healthy range to reduce your risk of developing these health problems.

Here are some tips for lowering your triglycerides:

* Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet for lowering triglycerides includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It also limits saturated and trans fats, as well as added sugar.

* Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to lower triglycerides and improve overall heart health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

* Lose weight if you are overweight or obese: Losing weight can help to lower triglycerides and improve overall health.

* Quit smoking: Smoking can increase triglycerides and other risk factors for heart disease.

* Manage your diabetes: If you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control to help lower triglycerides.

* Talk to your doctor about medication: If your triglycerides are very high, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower them.