High Triglycerides With No Other Risk Factors

Triglycerides are a type of fat. The body converts excess calories into triglycerides that are used for energy between meals. High blood triglyceride levels develop when people consistently consume more calories than they need, and this may cause health problems.

Testing

• According to the Mayo Clinic, a doctor can check a patient's triglyceride levels with a blood test that requires fasting for 12 hours prior to the test. Normal triglyceride levels are lower than 150 milligrams of triglycerides per deciliter of blood.

Effects

• High blood triglyceride levels can contribute to thickening of the artery walls and hardening of the arteries. These conditions increase a person's risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes.

Warning Sign

• High levels of triglycerides may be a sign of low thyroid hormone levels, untreated type 2 diabetes or liver disease. Patients who take birth control pills or beta blocker drugs may experience high triglycerides as a side effect of these drugs.

Diet and Exercise

• People can lower their triglycerides with a healthy diet that includes foods with low cholesterol, healthier monounsaturated fast and omega-3 fatty acids. Individuals who perform 30 minutes of physical activity on most days, such as walking or stair climbing, can lower their triglycerides.

Medication

• Doctors may prescribe niacin or statin drugs to help a patient reduce his triglyceride levels.