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Is High Triclyerides Sign of Enlarged Liver?

Triglycerides are the chemical form of fat tfound in food. They are also contained in the blood stream. If the body does not immediately need calories for energy, they are converted into triglycerides. These are then moved to fat cells for storage. For energy needs between meals, hormones cause the stored triglycerides to be released. Triglycerides are very important for optimal health. However, too many stored triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) can cause health problems, including an an enlarged liver. This condition is also called a fatty liver.

  1. Triglyceride Levels

    • Triglyceride levels are measured by a laboratory blood test. Results under 150 mg/dl are considered healthy and normal. Levels 150 to 200 mg/dl are considered borderline. It is a good idea to address ways to lower them. Anything above 200 mg/dl is high. Your medical provider will instruct you in interventions that include dietary changes and exercise, and possible medication. If the blood plasma level of triglycerides is above 500 mg/dl, medication will also be prescribed.

    High Triglycerides

    • High triglycerides are closely related to the condition of an enlarged liver. High triglycerides do not mean an affected liver, but it is a common co-occurrence. This is because an enlarged liver is due to an accumulation of fat storage in the liver. One type of fat stored is in the form of triglycerides.

    Causes

    • Fat (and triglycerides) in the liver is often due to heavy use of alcohol, weight gain or diabetes. It also can be the result of poor diet and certain illnesses, such as tuberculosis. Other causes are intestinal bypass surgery for obesity, and drugs like corticosteroids.

    Problems

    • A fatty liver is not in itself a disease. It does not need treatment. However, it can be a precursor to liver disease if lifestyle changes are not taken. It also can cause inflammation of the liver. High triglycerides are of more imminent concern, as they can lead to liver disease, heart disease, diabetes or stroke. Either or both diagnoses should be motivation to make lifestyle changes and work with a physician to address these issues.

    Guidelines

    • The American Heart Association's (AHA) guidelines to reduce elevated levels of triglycerides include losing weight if you are overweight. If you have high levels, limit trans and saturated fats--check food labels for food content information. The AHA strongly advises to limit alcohol intake because alcohol significantly increases the blood plasma triglyceride levels. These measures will also help decrease fat overall, which means less fat stored in the liver and a decrease in liver size.

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