Lowering Triglyceride Levels: Understanding Risks, Treatment Options
High triglycerides levels, also known as hypertriglyceridemia, could indicate a potential health risk. Here's what you need to know about this condition.
Triglycerides, a type of fat in the body, are produced from excess calories, sugar, and alcohol and stored in fat cells. Normal triglyceride levels for adults are under 150 mg/dL, with borderline high levels ranging from 151-199 mg/dL. Levels above 200 mg/dL are considered high, and very high levels exceed 500 mg/dL.
A variety of factors can contribute to high triglycerides levels. These include a family history of high cholesterol, drinking alcohol excessively, having a diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates, being overweight or obese, having unmanaged diabetes, experiencing liver or kidney disease, having high blood pressure, taking certain medications, going through menopause, smoking, having thyroid disease, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
On the other hand, low triglycerides levels are typically not a cause for concern and are usually a reflection of a low-fat diet, a nutritious diet, or a diet that includes fasting.
To lower high triglycerides levels, it's essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a nutritious diet rich in plant-based fats like olive oil and canola oil, and replacing red meat with fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. It's also crucial to avoid simple carbohydrates, trans fats, and foods with hydrogenated oils or fats.
Regular exercise is another key factor in managing triglycerides levels. The American Heart Association recommends a weekly minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week.
In some cases, lifestyle changes may not be enough, and a doctor may recommend prescription medications like statins or fibrates. Other medications for high triglycerides include fibrates (like gemfibrozil and fenofibrate), cholesterol absorption inhibitors, nicotinic acid, and PCSK9 inhibitors.
It's important to note that high triglycerides levels can increase the risk of several health issues, including arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls), heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. If triglycerides levels are high, you may also be at risk of pancreatitis and liver disease.
If you do not have high risk factors, a doctor will typically order a lipid panel every few years to check cholesterol and triglycerides levels. This test requires fasting for 8 to 12 hours before. If a lipid panel indicates high triglycerides levels, a doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication such as statins or fibrates.
The American Heart Association recommends that people over age 20 be tested every 4 to 6 years, and children be checked once between the ages of 9 and 11 and once between the ages of 17 and 21.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can help manage triglycerides levels and reduce the risk of associated health issues. If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, medication may be necessary. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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