How Does a High Level of Triglycerides in the Bloodstream Affect One's Health?

Triglycerides are a kind of lipid that make up the most common form of fat found in your body. When you eat more calories than you need, extra calories are changed into triglycerides and stored in fat cells to be used when you need more energy. When you age or gain weight, triglyceride levels rise. A high level of triglycerides in the bloodstream causes health problems.

Causes

• A family history of high triglycerides and high cholesterol may be the cause of high levels of triglycerides in your bloodstream. Aging, obesity and a poor diet are also causes, especially eating too much unhealthy, processed food full of the wrong kinds of fat. Many foods in our diets contain triglycerides or carbohydrates that are converted to triglycerides. Not getting enough exercise may also be a cause since exercise burns excess fat. Many medications can cause triglyceride levels to rise, and some medical conditions raise levels, including kidney disease, liver disease, alcoholism and poorly controlled diabetes.

Considerations

• People with high triglycerides in the bloodstream tend to have high LDL cholesterol levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. A build up of high levels of LDL and triglycerides in the bloodstream has a major impact on your health but does not manifest symptoms until damage is already done. Damage to your health caused by high levels of triglycerides includes blockage of arteries, which can cause heart problems, stroke and vascular disease.

Coronary Artery Disease

• Coronary arteries supply your heart with blood that carries oxygen and nutrients. Triglyceride levels between 150 and 200 can cause plaque to build up, causing hardening of the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.,

Prevention/Solution

• Most people with high triglycerides can reduce levels with a healthier diet and more exercise. The American Heart Association recommends adding 2 to 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids to your diet each day for anyone with high triglycerides. Avoid processed food and food that contains trans fat and saturated fat. Read food labels and avoid anything that says hydrogenized on the label. Don't drink alcohol, as even small amounts raise triglyceride levels. If high triglycerides are caused by medication or a medical condition, treating the condition and discontinuing the medication usually reduces levels.

Medication

• If lifestyle changes don't lower triglyceride levels enough, your doctor may prescribe medication such as niacin or fibrates. The high doses of niacin needed to lower triglycerides can cause side effects, including possibility of damage to your liver, so don't take over-the-counter niacin on your own without a doctor's supervision. If you also have high LDL or low HDL levels, your doctor may prescribe statins or a combination of statins and nicotinic acid. Tell your doctor right away if the medication causes side effects such as muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation.