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Problems With High Triglycerides

High triglycerides is a term that no one wants to hear from their physician. High triglycerides, particularly when combined with other risk factors, can result in serious, life-threatening conditions. It is therefore vital that individuals consider triglyceride screening as a part of their overall health plan.

  1. What are triglycerides?

    • Triglycerides are a type of fat that is stored in our fat cells and burned by our bodies for energy. A normal amount of triglycerides are important for a healthy body, and they originate both from our livers and the food we eat. It is when triglyceride levels become inflated that health risks result.

    What is considered "normal" for triglycerides?

    • Most physicians agree that the "normal" range for triglyceride levels should fall below 150. Anything over 200 is considered "high."

    How many Americans have high trigylceride levels?

    • The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in five Americans have high levels of triglycerides.

    How do high triglycerides change the body?

    • High triglycerides cause a hardening of the arteries and a thickening of the artery walls. This process is referred to atherosclerosis.

    What is the effect of high triglycerides?

    • High triglycerides, particularly when combined with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excessive fat around the waist and low HDL levels (good cholesterol), may lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease.

    Are there any other health problems associated with high triglycerides?

    • Other health problems that may result from high triglycerides include diabetes, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, chronic liver, kidney and circulatory disease and pancreatitis.

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