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What If Cholesterol Is Normal & Triglycerides Are High?

A full cholesterol panel will test total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. All are forms of fat that circulate in the bloodstream, and knowing the levels of each is important to maintaining good health.

  1. What is Normal for Cholesterol and Triglycerides?

    • The American Heart Association sets 200 as the maximum desirable level for total cholesterol. Normal triglyceride levels are less than 150 mg/dl.

    Diabetes

    • Elevated triglycerides that are not associated with high cholesterol could be due to untreated diabetes. Excess carbohydrates are converted into triglycerides and circulated in the blood stream.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Low levels of thyroid hormones, also known as hypothyroidism, can cause high triglyceride levels. Estrogen treatment, which blocks the release of thyroid hormone, is another cause of high triglycerides.

    Alcohol Abuse

    • Alcohol increases the production of triglycerides in the liver, leaving excess triglycerides to circulate in the blood. Chronic alcoholism can lead to pancreatitis, which can inhibit the hormone insulin from removing excess blood sugar and triglycerides.

    Medications

    • Some medications used to treat HIV can elevate triglyceride levels. Other medications that affect triglycerides are beta blockers, birth control pills, diuretics, steroids, and tamoxifen.

    How to Lower Triglycerides

    • Triglycerides can be lowered through a reduction in calorie intake, particularly from carbohydrate sources. Alcohol should be eliminated from the diet. Daily physical activity of at least 30 minutes can reduce triglycerides.

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