High triglycerides, a condition medically known as hypertriglyceridemia, are among the most common pathologies today. Triglycerides are a type of fat necessary to supply energy to our body in the long term. However, its excessive presence puts our health at risk for our heart, causing these lipids to accumulate in the arteries, which can cause obstructions and, with it, the presence of various cardiovascular diseases. Suppose you have been diagnosed with high triglycerides in this FastlyHealarticle. In that case, we explain the causes and treatment of this condition, which requires essential lifestyle changes to promote health and general well-being.
Table of Contents
What are triglycerides? Levels, symptoms, and diagnosis
Triglycerides are formed by the union of three fatty acids and a glycerin molecule. These come from the food that we consume daily and whose fats are absorbed by our intestines and the lipids that the liver can produce.
The function of triglycerides is essential, as they help distribute energy throughout our body to be used throughout the day. When they are not used in this way, then they are stored in our body as a source of fat to be used when necessary. However, when triglycerides exceed the recommended levels, this type of lipid can begin to accumulate in the arteries, forming a plaque that, shortly, could impede the correct circulation of blood to the heart, notably increasing the risk of significant suffering. Heart diseases. It can also cause infections in the liver, pancreas, and spleen that seriously compromise health.
The levels of triglycerides can range from normal to very high. As a reference, the following values can be taken, always remembering that they may vary between laboratories:
- Normal triglyceride levels: less than 150 mg / dL
- Borderline high level: 150 to 199 mg / dL
- High triglyceride level: between 200 and 499 mg / dL
- Very high levels: 500 mg / dL or more
This condition does not usually present any symptoms unless some damage has already been caused to organs such as the liver, spleen, or arterial obstructions, in which case the signs will vary depending on the pathology. Triglyceride levels are usually measured in a routine and simple blood test, hence the importance of performing a yearly analysis to determine our general health.
Causes of high triglycerides
Triglyceride levels may increase for various reasons; our habits are the main trigger for hypertriglyceridemia. The leading causes of high triglycerides are:
- High-fat and poorly balanced diet. The excessive consumption of fried foods, alcohol, junk food, snacks, sweets, pastries, sausages, or meats with high-fat content significantly increases the presence of cholesterol and triglycerides in our blood, which can cause their levels to become a problem for our health.
- Suffering from obesity also increases the risk of having high lipids and suffering from other diseases such as fatty liver, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle notably influences the appearance of this condition since the fat ingested with food does not need to be converted into energy because the body consumes very little when leading an inactive life, favoring the accumulation of lipids in our body.
- There is a condition known as familial hypertriglyceridemia; it is transmitted from parents to children making triglyceride levels more likely to be elevated.
- In particular cases, triglycerides may rise due to the intake of certain medications or the product of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
Lower triglycerides by improving the diet
To lower triglycerides effectively, it is essential to improve eating habits and establish a healthy diet. Miracles do not exist, and although specific home remedies can favor the reduction of lipids in the blood, working on a healthy diet is essential to achieve it.
That is why we recommend:
- Reduce the intake of fried foods and prefer those prepared in the oven, steamed, grilled, or cooked.
- Moderate the consumption of fatty meats and sausages; it is recommended to eat only low-fat sausages such as turkey or chicken breast and opt for lean meats such as turkey, chicken, and some cuts of pork or beef. Increasing the intake of white fish is also recommended to offer the body a healthier protein.
- Junk food, whole dairy products, derivatives, sweets, pastries, processed sugar, and alcohol should be avoided. All these foods provide fat that your body does not need at this time.
- Increase the intake of foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruit, and fresh vegetables, as this nutrient favors the elimination of fat from the body.
- In obesity, losing weight is essential. It is recommended to follow a diet led by a nutritionist who provides guidance and assistance in weight loss. Re-educating ourselves to eat correctly is key to taking care of our general health and ensuring well-being.
Lower triglycerides by exercising
Improving your diet is only one part of the equation, and it is also essential to exercise to lower triglycerides. Increasing physical activity and putting a sedentary lifestyle aside is necessary to eliminate the lipid deposits that accumulate in your blood, so we recommend:
- Walk at least 30 minutes a day.
- Start a physical exercise plan with a professional, especially in cases where there is no prior knowledge of the best exercises or activities according to age and weight.
- Cardiovascular activities such as walking, running, skating, swimming, dancing, or aerobics are ideal for reducing fat and improving heart health.
Follow medical instructions
Only in some cases is the intake of medication to reduce triglycerides recommended; it must be prescribed by a doctor and consumed under strict supervision. Following all the specialist’s dietary and physical activity recommendations and undergoing frequent blood tests to monitor triglycerides will be essential to ensure health and speedy recovery.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to High triglycerides: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Blood, heart and circulation .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.