High Triglycerides and Heart Disease
Triglycerides are a form of fat that, while it can play a necessary role in the body, may also pose a health risk when they are present in large amounts. The body can use triglycerides to obtain energy, but if the levels of triglycerides become too high, they can significantly increase the risk of heart disease. High levels of triglycerides can be associated with a condition known as metabolic syndrome, and often occur as the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.
The combination of an accumulation of fat around the stomach, high levels of sugar and triglycerides in the blood, low levels of the good form of cholesterol, and high blood pressure is sometimes known as metabolic syndrome. People who have this syndrome have an increased risk of serious conditions. They are more likely to suffer from diabetes, strokes and heart disease.
It is possible to use a blood test to assess the level of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. This test measures the total amount of triglycerides and the different forms of cholesterol, both good and bad. A normal result should be under 150. Anything above this is considered high. If the result is between 150 and 199, it is termed borderline high. If it is between 200 and 499, it is high. If it is above 500, the result is considered very high.
High levels of triglycerides tend to be associated with obesity. They can also occur when diabetes is not being controlled properly, or when a patient has an underactive thyroid gland or is suffering from a kidney disorder. Other risk factors for high triglyceride levels are excessive consumption of alcohol and regularly eating more than the required amount of calories. In some cases, high triglycerides may be associated with the use of certain medications, including steroids, diuretics, birth control pills and estrogen, beta blockers or tamoxifen. Some families share an increased risk of having high levels of triglycerides.
Without undergoing a blood test, few people will realize that they have higher than normal levels of triglycerides. High triglycerides do not cause any symptoms, although they do increase the risk of serious problems such as heart attacks. The only symptoms that may appear when someone has high triglycerides are the fatty deposits underneath the skin, known as xanthomas, which will only occur in people whose high triglycerides are the result of a genetic condition.
It is possible to avoid high triglycerides by living a healthy lifestyle. Taking plenty of exercise and avoiding overeating can help keep triglyceride levels down. It is also a good idea to avoid smoking and to drink alcohol in moderation.