Triglycerides and Your Health

Triglycerides are an important measure for your heart care. If your body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and cholesterol level are in increased level, then your doctor will tell you to lower your triglycerides.

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are fat material those are seen in your blood. Actually, the triglycerides get stored in your fat cells. Triglycerides exist in the chemical form in the body. They’re also present in blood plasma. Calories from the meal which are not used immediately are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides. Hormones will secrete to release triglycerides for energy between meals. You might develop high triglycerides level if you eat more calories than you burn.

What’s considered normal triglycerides level?

You can know your triglycerides level through blood test. Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered to be the Normal level of triglycerides. 150 to 199 mg/dL is Borderline and 200 to 499 mg/dL is High triglycerides level.

How is high level of triglycerides harmful?

Excess level of triglycerides in plasma is called as hypertriglyceridemia. It can cause coronary artery disease. Elevated triglycerides can also cause other diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

What are the symptoms of high triglycerides?

In some cases the genetic is the main cause. If you are affected with high triglycerides due to genetic reasons, fatty deposits under the skin called xanthomas would be visible. Those who have high levels of triglycerides may also get inflammation of the pancreas that is called as pancreatitis. If you are affected by pancreatitis, you may experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever.
What are the causes for high triglycerides?

Conditions that may cause high triglycerides are as follows: Regularly eating more calories than you burn, drinking a lot of alcohol, kidney disease, over weight, poorly controlled diabetes and thyroid disorder – hypothyroidism can cause high triglycerides levels. Certain medicines too raise triglycerides. Medicines such as estrogen, steroids, birth control pills, tamoxifen, beta-blockers and diuretics can increase triglycerides.

How can you reduce your triglycerides level?

These are some of the tips to reduce triglycerides level. If you are having more weight, then weight loss will help your to reduce your triglycerides level. Measure your intake of calories and keep it under your control. Normally, sugary foods can increase your triglycerides level. You can reduce sugary foods. Limit your cholesterol intake and Choose healthier fats to eat that helps you a lot. Regular Exercise can be an overall help to you in maintaining your health. If you can avoid drinking excess alcohol, perform regular exercise and eat a balanced diet will be of great help to you.