What Is Considered a High Triglyceride Level?

A blood test prescribed by your doctor can measure the level of triglycerides in your body. A high triglyceride level may be an indication of a low level of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) or a risk for diabetes. Low levels of HDL have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease in some people.

Role of Triglycerides

• Fat is used by the body for energy. Triglycerides are a form of fat in the body. They travel through your bloodstream in packets called lipoproteins, which are cholesterol molecules bound to a protein molecule. If triglycerides are not broken down by your body and used for energy, they are stored in fat cells for future use.

Normal Levels

• Doctors consider your triglyceride levels normal if they are 150 mg/dl.

Borderline Triglyceride Levels

• Your triglyceride levels are considered borderline if they fall between 150 to 199 mg/dl.

High Triglyceride Levels

• High triglyceride levels fall between 200 to 499 mg/dl. Triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dl are considered very high.

Lowering Triglycerides

• A low-fat healthy diet and exercise program will help to keep your triglyceride levels normal. Fribrate medications such as Lopid, TriCor, and Lofibra help to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. Niacin, a B vitamin, may help to lower cholesterol and, in turn, reduce triglyceride levels.