What Does Elevated Triglycerides Indicate?

Triglycerides are fat in its chemical form. They are stored in fat cells, released by hormones and burned by the body for energy. High levels are suspected to influence the development of hardening of the arteries and atherosclerosis.

Identification

• Triglyceride levels should register below 150 and are considered high when they exceed 200.

Significance

• High levels of triglycerides may indicate the presence of an unrecognized disease or condition in the body. Increased levels of triglycerides are linked to coronary artery disease.

Misconceptions

• Strategies for an overall healthy lifestyle can improve triglyceride levels. Treating them with medication is not always necessary or advisable.

Warning

• High triglyceride levels can increase the risk for coronary artery disease, particularly when combined with other risk factors, which include smoking and high blood pressure.

Expert Insight

• Doctors believe that lowering both LDL (bad) cholesterol and high triglycerides may be more effective than focusing on bad cholesterol alone when it comes to reducing heart attack risk.