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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. Your body uses them for energy. You need some for good health. But high triglyceride levels are linked with a higher risk of coronary artery disease. A high level may be a sign of metabolic syndrome. Very high levels raise your risk of pancreatitis. High triglycerides can run in families. They may also be caused by other conditions, like obesity and diabetes. You may have high levels of this fat if you eat or drink too many foods or drinks with added sugar or if you drink a lot of alcohol. And some medicines can cause this condition. High triglycerides usually don't cause symptoms. But if the condition is genetic, you may see fatty bumps under your skin. A blood test is used to measure triglycerides. It's most accurate if it's done after you go without food or drink for 9 to 14 hours (fasting). Triglyceride levels are:footnote 1 A healthy lifestyle can help lower your triglycerides and your risk of coronary artery disease. It includes losing weight, being active, limiting high-sugar foods and drinks, and limiting alcohol. Your doctor may recommend that you also take medicine. Your doctor will treat other health problems if they are causing high levels. Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. High triglycerides can happen if you eat a lot of carbohydrates or if you eat or drink too many foods or drinks with added sugar. Your risk is higher if you drink a lot of alcohol. You may have high triglycerides if you're overweight or not active. High triglycerides can also run in families. Other causes include certain diseases, such as hypothyroidism or kidney disease. High triglycerides rarely occur on their own. They are usually linked with other conditions. Certain medicines may also raise triglycerides. These include: A healthy lifestyle can help lower triglyceride levels. A healthy lifestyle can also help lower your risk of coronary artery disease. Some people also take medicine to lower triglycerides. Lowering levels can also lower your risk of pancreatitis. A healthy lifestyle includes: Your doctor will check for and treat other health problems that might be causing your high triglycerides. These may include hypothyroidism or kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust or stop any medicines that might raise your level. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help lower your triglycerides level and lower your risk of coronary artery disease. Triglycerides are stored as fat in your tissues and muscles. These include sugar-sweetened desserts, soda pop, and fruit juice. These are found in animal-based foods like meat, butter, milk, and cheese. They are also found in coconut oil, palm oil, and cocoa butter. Eat a diet that's rich in vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats, and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods. Eating oily fish may lower your levels. These fish include salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, and sardines. Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. Alcohol has a strong effect on triglycerides. Before you start to be more active, check with your doctor to be sure it's safe. Try to do moderate activity at least 2½ hours a week. Or try to do vigorous activity at least 1¼ hours a week. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. Medicines are used to lower triglyceride levels and lower your risk of coronary artery disease and pancreatitis. Medicine is used along with a healthy lifestyle. Whether medicine might benefit you may depend on more than just your triglyceride number. You and your doctor may also look at your cholesterol levels and your risk of heart attack and stroke. The medicines that you might take are: Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.High Triglycerides
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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.