Triglycerides are the main form of fat stored in your body and transported through the bloodstream. After you eat, excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored for later energy. High triglycerides — known as hypertriglyceridemia — often appear with other lipid changes like high LDL or low HDL, increasing your risk of heart and metabolic disease.
Did you know? Fasting before a blood test ensures accurate triglyceride measurement, as levels can spike temporarily after eating.
Common causes of high triglycerides
- High intake of sugar, refined carbs, or alcohol
- Obesity or metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
- Liver disease (fatty liver, alcohol-related)
- Certain medications (estrogen, steroids, beta-blockers)
- Genetic disorders of lipid metabolism
Understanding your numbers
- Normal: <150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
- Borderline high: 150–199 mg/dL
- High: 200–499 mg/dL
- Very high: ≥500 mg/dL (may increase risk of pancreatitis)
How to lower triglycerides
- Reduce sugary foods and refined carbohydrates
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Exercise regularly (150 minutes per week)
- Maintain a healthy weight and control blood sugar
- Discuss omega-3 supplements or medication with your clinician
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