Definition

High triglycerides are high levels of a type of fat in the blood. Triglycerides come from certain fats in food. When triglyceride levels are high, it can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. Treatment can help lower triglycerides.

Causes

Causes may include:

• Genetic problems that cause the body to make too many triglycerides
• Eating a lot of foods that raise triglyceride levels
• Kidney problems
• Liver disease

Risk Factors

High triglycerides are more common in older adults, especially men.. Women who have gone through menopause also have a higher risk. Other things that may raise the risk are:

• A family history of too many blood fats—a condition called hyperlipidemia
• A diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol intake
• Certain conditions, such as:
  • Diabetes
  • Low thyroid
  • Cushing syndrome
• Certain medicines, such as:
  • Birth control pills
  • Isotretinoin, used to treat acne

Symptoms

High triglyceride levels usually do not cause symptoms. Very high levels of can cause:

• Belly pain
• Nausea and vomiting—from acute pancreatitis

High triglyceride levels can raise the risk of atherosclerosis. This can can end up blocking blood flow. In some cases, this may result in:

• Angina
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Other serious problems

Blood Vessel with Atherosclerosis Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Diagnosis

Triglycerides can be measured in the blood. The test is done as part of a regular screening. For healthy adults this may be every few years. Those with risk factors for heart disease may be screened more often. Young children may be screened if they are obese or have a family history of high triglycerides or high cholesterol. Regular screening may also be advised for older children.

Triglyceride screening is part of a fasting lipid profile blood test. It will include other measurements such as:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL (bad cholesterol)
• HDL (good cholesterol)

A doctor can advise how often a person should be tested for high triglycerides. This is often based on the person's family and medical history.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to lower triglyceride levels. It will also help to lower the risk for heart disease and stroke. Treatment options include:

Prevention

To help reduce the chance of getting hyperlipidemia, talk to the doctor about: :

• When to get blood tests
• How to eat a healthier diet
• What type of exercise is best
• How to quit smoking or drinking alcohol
• How to control health problems such as diabetes
• Medicines that might raise triglyceride levels