|  | Conditions Treatments | Heart Disease

Factors Responsible for High Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your bloodstream, unrelated to cholesterol. For many years, doctors did not see a connection between high triglycerides and heart attack, but research has shown that high triglycerides in the blood stream are associated with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). For those with high cholesterol and heart disease, high levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream can compound an already dangerous problems.

There are many factors that contribute to having high triglycerides including alcohol consumption, a diet of fatty foods, a sedentary lifestyle and heredity.

  1. The Facts

    • Aside from heredity, triglycerides form in the blood when you do not burn off more calories than you consume due to a very poor diet and exercise routine. Because triglycerides are used as quick energy by your body, calories will be turned into triglycerides so that the energy is readily available. When you do not exercise enough, triglyceride levels become imbalanced, leading to a higher probability of stroke and, in some cases, pancreatitis.

      Triglycerides can also be caused by an underactive thyroid or kidney disease.

    History

    • Until recently, doctors did not consider high triglycerides as a dangerous sign. For the most part, it was thought that having high triglycerides caused no symptoms other than pancreatic related digestive problems. But through recent studies, and according to the Journal of the American Heart Association, those who had a stroke also had high levels of triglycerides in their blood. One quarter of those in a study had triglyceride levels above 200 mg/dl, which increased their risk of stroke by thirty percent.

    Significance

    • Doctors are starting to treat high triglycerides with the same sense of urgency as other dangers associated with heart disease. Because triglyceride levels can be determined through standard cholesterol tests, doctors are now routinely responding to high levels of triglycerides even in cases where cholesterol levels and blood pressure are normal.

    Types

    • High triglycerides can be treated partially through diet and exercise, and partially through prescription medication. When high triglycerides are found, you may be asked to completely remove alcohol and fatty foods from your diet while simultaneously taking prescription medication such as fenofibrate. Fenofibrate helps to break up triglyceride fats in the bloodstream, although fenofibrate may cause side effects such as upset stomach and nausea.

    Benefits

    • If you have been diagnosed with high triglycerides, and have taken action to reduce the causes, you may find your overall health improved. Fighting high triglyceride levels naturally helps you slim down and feel better through diet and exercise. With less fat in the bloodstream, you may have more energy and better digestion, as well as reduce your risk for ischemic stroke and TIA.

Heart Disease - Related Articles