Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) in the blood that your body uses for energy. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke, especially in people with low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and those with type 2 diabetes.
A lipid profile test checks your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are inversely related to HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – the higher your number of triglycerides, the lower your HDL. Research shows that high triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease regardless of your HDL level.
High triglyceride levels can be associated with liver and pancreas problems. Triglyceride levels above 1,500 mg/dL are considered extremely high and may cause the body to stop breaking down fats, resulting in memory loss, liver and spleen swelling, and stomach pain.
To lower your triglyceride levels, make changes to your lifestyle. Get more physical activity, exercise can have a big impact on triglyceride levels. Experts advise that everybody should get at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. If you’re out of shape, start slowly.
Lose some weight if you’re overweight or obese, shed a few pounds and try to maintain an ideal body weight. Exercise will help, but you also need to focus on diet. The key is to eat fewer calories — whether they come from fats, carbs, or protein. Focus on a diet that’s high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
Cut down on sugary foods, such as sodas, could help too. Choose better fats. Pay more attention to the fats you eat. Eat fewer foods with unhealthy fats (found in meat, butter, and cheese), trans fats (in processed foods and margarines), and cholesterol. Eat more healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, nuts, and some fish.
Studies suggest that the omega-3s in fatty fish — such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines — are particularly good at lowering triglyceride levels. Because even healthy fats are high in calories, you still need to eat these foods in moderation.
Cut down on alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol seem to cause big spikes in triglyceride levels. Limit yourself to one alcoholic drink a day.
If you’re taking medication for high cholesterol or triglycerides, get a lipid profile afterward. Remember that to stay healthy and keep your triglycerides down, you still have to focus on improving your lifestyle.
At Michoes Medical Centre, we provide information on familial hypertriglyceridemia, in which people inherit genes that put them at risk for high triglycerides. We describe the health hazards of having high triglyceride levels. We explain factors that raise triglyceride (blood fat) levels and how to control them.
If you’re concerned about your triglyceride levels, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today. Please call us at 020-12345678 or visit us in person at Michoes Medical Centre, located at 123 Main Street, Anytown, UK.
Don’t wait any longer to take control of your health. Book your appointment now and let us help you lower your triglyceride levels and improve your overall well-being.
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