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The Causes of Elevated Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat in your bloodstream that your body uses for fuel. At appropriate levels, triglycerides are necessary and healthful. However, when readings are above 150, they can cause health problems. Sometimes triglyceride levels are just the luck of the draw when it comes to heredity, but there are lifestyle factors that can also cause high triglycerides.

  1. Underlying medical conditions

    • Kidney disease as well as untreated metabolic disorders such as diabetes and hypothyroidism can cause high triglyceride readings. When these conditions are properly treated, triglyceride levels often decrease without any other lifestyle changes or drug treatments. Having diabetes and having high triglyceride levels are both risk factors for heart disease, so controlling triglyceride levels is especially important for diabetes. Most doctors consider readings between 150 and 200 to be "borderline high" for non-diabetics but like to see diabetic patients keep their triglycerides below 150.

    Food and alcohol

    • Food and alcohol intake have a big impact on triglyceride levels. Excess fat and cholesterol can elevate triglycerides. However, consuming sugars, simple starches and alcohol in excess have an even bigger impact on triglyceride levels. Doctors will often recommend that those with high triglyceride levels consult with a dietitian to develop a food plan moderate in protein, complex carbohydrates and fat and low in sugar, starch and alcoholic beverages. Eating patterns are also important; taking in more food energy than the body needs to use immediately can lead to storing the energy as triglycerides. For that reason, eating several small meals throughout the day instead of two or three heavy meals is preferred.

    Aging and pregnancy

    • Triglyceride levels can vary throughout the lifespan due to various changes in the body over time. For instance, some women experience elevated triglycerides during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Most people's triglycerides increase as they age, as well, even without any change in diet or lifestyle.

    Heredity

    • Cholesterol levels in general and triglycerides specifically are influenced by heredity. According to scientists with the Food and Drug Administration, high cholesterol tends to run in families. A rare genetic condition can cause extremely high triglyceride levels, sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the pancreas.

    Medications

    • Several types of medications can cause elevated triglycerides. These can include steroids and diuretics, some psychiatric medications, beta blockers and prescriptions with hormones in them, such as the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy.

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