PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A high level of triglycerides is associated with heart disease. So, what does it mean when your lab results come back and you are told you have a high level of triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. When you eat, your body stores unneeded energy as triglycerides in fat cells. Later, when you're not eating, hormones release those triglycerides for energy.
"High" means that your fasting triglyceride level is greater than 150 mg per deciliter, placing you at increased risk for heart disease. So, what makes the number go up?
Common risk factors are obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Lack of physical activity and excessive use of alcohol also raise the number.
If you want to get it down, lose weight, reduce carbohydrates and increase the healthy omega-3 fatty acids. An exercise program can make a big difference. Medications like statins can help. Remember—the lifestyle changes that help reduce triglycerides can help in other ways.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
