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Explanation of Triglycerides

Part of your annual blood work is a test that counts the level of triglycerides in your blood plasma. Understanding what triglycerides are and how they work in your body will help you gain better perspective of how to lower your triglyceride count if it is high. Most patients with high triglycerides can control the problem through diet and exercise modifications, according to the American Heart Association.

  1. Definition of Triglycerides

    • Triglycerides are a lipid in your blood plasma that is converted from food and stored in fat cells. In common terms, triglycerides are fat found in your blood. Your body will derive triglycerides from the food you consume. Some foods will increase your triglyceride levels.

    How Blood is Tested

    • To determine your triglyceride count, your doctor will do a blood test. This test is conducted after a 12-hour fast with no solid food, beverages or alcohol. Triglycerides are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Normal triglyceride levels top off at 150 mg/dL. If your doctor tells you that you are borderline high, your triglyceride level is between 150 and 199 mg/dL. High triglyceride counts range between 200-499 mg/dL, with very high triglyceride levels being above 500 mg/dL or higher.

    Triglycerides in Metabolism

    • Triglycerides are part of your body's normal metabolism of calories in the creation of energy. When you consume food, your body takes in the calories and converts them into triglycerides in the blood plasma, which are then stored in fat cells until they are needed. Ideally, your body should metabolize the triglycerides between meals; otherwise it is stored and can lead to plaque buildup on the artery walls. Being overweight or consuming foods high in fat increase your chances of having high triglyceride levels.

    What Triglyceride Levels Mean

    • High triglyceride levels are linked to coronary heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, high triglyceride levels contribute to the risk of stroke or heart attack. They also suggest other serious medical conditions that may need attention, such as diabetes mellitus. Left untreated, the high triglyceride levels can create serious imbalances with your body insulin levels. There are several genetic disorders that cause elevated triglyceride levels that may not be reduced by diet and exercise alone.

    Reducing Triglycerides

    • Most elevated triglyceride levels can be controlled by diet and exercise. The first step is to make sure you lose any unnecessary weight. Lowering your daily fat consumption will also help reduce your triglyceride levels. The American Heart Association recommends substituting unsaturated fats for saturated fats. Additionally you should consume fish oil or nuts that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These include tuna, mackerel, herring, almonds and walnuts. Drink green tea and reduce alcohol consumption. Finally, start an exercise program with aerobic activity at least five times a week to increase muscle mass and increase fat metabolism.

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