What Are the Treatments for Elevated Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. Excess amounts are stored in fat cells and released for energy between meals. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk for heart disease. Fortunately, a few simple things can be done to lower triglycerides and improve overall health.

Lifestyle Changes

• The best way to lower triglycerides is to make some healthy lifestyle changes. These include losing weight, reducing caloric and cholesterol intake, and exercising regularly.

Medications

• If changes in lifestyle aren't working, medication might be prescribed. Cholesterol medicines, like niacin or fibrates, are often used to lower triglycerides.

Side Effects

• Side effects to medicinal treatments include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, upset stomach and nausea.

Risks of High Triglycerides

• High triglycerides are often an indicator of an increased risk for heart disease. High triglycerides can also signal poorly controlled type-2 diabetes, hypothyroidism or liver or kidney disease.

Considerations

• Any calories not used by the body are converted into triglycerides. If you commonly eat more calories than you burn, there's a possibility you may have high triglycerides.