Triglyceride Risk Levels

Triglyceride counts are part of a standard blood test known as a lipid panel. Lipid panels are key in assessing if you are at risk for certain cardiac diseases such as atherosclerosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Triglyceride values at or above a certain level can indicate high risk for heart attack and/or stroke.

Triglycerides

• Triglycerides are derived from fats taken into the body through food. The body naturally makes some triglycerides that play a role in cell regeneration but excessive amounts convert directly into LDL cholesterol.

Risk Levels

• Normal triglyceride levels are less than 150 mg/dL, borderline levels are 150 to 199 mg/dL, high levels are 200 to 499 mg/dL and dangerously high levels are 500mg/dL or above.

Low Density Lipoprotein

• Though LDL cholesterol is assessed by a different count, it is directly related to triglycerides. Excessive triglycerides convert directly into LDL cholesterol, raising that number as well and further increasing the risk of cardiac incident.

Considerations

• If both LDL and triglyceride levels are high it is important to bring LDL levels down first. High triglyceride counts are secondary only because excessive triglycerides convert to LDL and only add to already elevated LDL levels.

Prevention

• Avoiding saturated fats and cholesterol are essential in preventing high counts. Limiting starch--bread, pasta, potatoes--is also key as starch converts to triglycerides, therefore, possibly effecting cholesterol counts.