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Cause & Treatment of High Triglycerides

Triglycerides are lipids, or fat, that is found in your bloodstream. Triglycerides that are not used for energy right away are stored by your body in fat cells. They are later released by hormones when energy is needed. Too many of them is called hypertriglyceridemia. High triglycerides may lead to atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries. This increases your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. High triglycerides may be caused by diseases, medications and diet.

  1. Hereditary

    • High triglycerides may be a hereditary condition where your body is unable to metabolize and remove lipids. A rare heredity condition called familial hyperchylomicronemia is a condition where your body is unable to eliminate chylomicrons (particles of fat and and cholesterol) from your blood, resulting in high triglyceride levels. Patients with this condition should not eat any fats.

    Diet and Obesity

    • Diets that are high in sugars and fats can lead to high triglycerides. If you are overweight, particularly with excessive fat around your midsection, your triglyceride levels are likely to increase. Excessive alcohol consumption may also contribute to high levels.

    Diabetes

    • Type 2 diabetes mellitus that is not properly controlled with diet and medication can cause high triglycerides. In addition, high triglycerides in diabetics may indicate the likelihood of experiencing neuropathy, which is nerve loss that results in a loss of feeling, tingling, numbness or even pain in the legs, arms, hands and feet, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

    Other Diseases

    • Liver or kidney disease and hypothyroidism may also cause high triglycerides. The liver works to convert fats and eliminate triglycerides and chylomicrons from your blood. Decreased liver function means that it is unable to keep up. Your kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste through your urine. Hypothyroidism is a condition where you have a low metabolism, resulting in an excess of unburned fats.

    Medications

    • Certain medications may affect your triglyceride levels as well as cholesterol levels. They include steroids, oral contraceptives, diuretics, glucocorticoids, beta blockers, retinoids, progesterone and Tamoxifaen, a drug used to treat breast cancer. These medications can affect your organs that are responsible for the elimination of excess triglycerides and cholesterol.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for high triglycerides begins with the underlying cause. Controlling the diseases and conditions that lead to high triglycerides are the first priority. Diet and exercise are helpful in lowering triglycerides. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids should be included, such as salmon and tuna. Other foods to include are meats that are low in saturated fats, fresh vegetables, whole grains, complex carbohydrates and fruits. Refined foods, sugar and alcohol should be avoided.

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