high triglycerides causes treatment and how to lower

• Causes of high triglycerides. Triglyceride levels may increase for various reasons; our habits are the main trigger for hypertriglyceridemia.
• Lower triglycerides by improving the diet. To lower triglycerides effectively, it is essential to improve eating habits and establish a healthy diet.
• Lower triglycerides by exercising. Improving your diet is only one part of the equation, and it is also essential to exercise to lower triglycerides.
• 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.

Full Answer

What foods are good for lower triglycerides?

• Reduce saturated fats and trans fats. ...
• Use healthy mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. ...
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. ...
• Alcohol in moderation. ...
• Avoid refined sugars. ...
• Eat fish protein once or twice a week. ...
• Eat plenty of fiber. ...
• Limit total dietary cholesterol to 200mg per day

Are there drugs that can lower high triglyceride levels?

Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is used to reduce cardiovascular risk and treat high triglyceride levels. It is more popular than other comparable drugs. It is currently available in both brand and generic versions. GoodRx has partnered with InsideRx and Amarin to reduce the price for this prescription.

What is the best way to lower triglycerides?

Top 10 Ways to Naturally Reduce Your Triglycerides

1. Lose weight. Anything eaten in excess gets converted to triglycerides and stored in the fat cells in the body. ...
2. Reduce sugar intake. Sugar is a source of empty calories meaning it provides a lot of calories but no nutrients. ...
3. Try intermittent fasting. ...
4. Eat a Paleo diet. ...
5. Increase fiber. ...
6. Exercise regularly. ...
7. Eat more fatty fish. ...
8. Limit alcohol intake. ...

More items...

How long does it take to lower triglycerides?

Twitter. Lowering triglyceride levels can require a change in dietary and lifestyle habits. If these steps are implemented, then it is possible for some people to see lower triglyceride levels in a matter of a few days, according to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Although triglycerides are important in the body for energy, a high triglyceride count may increase the risk for heart disease, according to Mayo Clinic.

What is the best treatment for high triglycerides?

Selected Therapies for Managing HypertriglyceridemiaTherapyTriglyceride reduction (%)HDL-C increase (%)Statins20 to 405 to 15Atorvastatin (Lipitor), 10 to 80 mg dailyFluvastatin (Lescol), 20 to 80 mg daily at bedtimeLovastatin (Mevacor), 10 to 80 mg daily at bedtime13 more rows•May 1, 2007

What foods reduce triglycerides?

Foods that can help lower triglyceridesoily fish, like sardines and salmon.all vegetables, especially leafy greens, green beans, and butternut squash.all fruits, especially citrus fruits, and berries.low fat or fat-free dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk.More items...•

What is the fastest way to lower triglycerides naturally?

Dietary and lifestyle factors can have a major influence on your triglyceride levels. Choosing healthy, unsaturated fats in place of trans fats, decreasing your intake of carbs and added sugars, and exercising regularly are a few strategies that can help lower your blood triglycerides.

Can high triglycerides can be cured?

The good news is that one health threat is highly treatable. There are many high triglycerides treatment options (and preventions)—from statins to supplements.

Which fruits reduce triglycerides?

Foods that may help lower triglycerides include:Lower fructose vegetables: These include leafy greens, zucchini, butternut squash, green beans, and eggplant.Lower fructose fruits: Examples include berries, kiwi, and citrus fruits.More items...

Does lemon water lower triglycerides?

This natural beverage also contains limonene, potassium and antioxidants that may further lower your risk of heart disease. A study suggests that fasting with honey and lemon juice for as little as four days may reduce body weight, body mass index, fat mass and triglycerides.

Do bananas help lower triglycerides?

The researchers also say that people with high triglycerides should focus on eating more vegetables; fruits that are lower in fructose such as cantaloupe, grapefruit, strawberries, bananas, peaches; high-fiber whole grains; and especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are found primarily in fatty fish such as salmon, ...

Do eggs raise triglycerides?

While it's true that limiting foods that contain saturated fat is recommended when managing triglyceride levels, eggs in moderation may be an acceptable addition. An egg contains 1.6 grams of saturated fat, according to the USDA. However, data suggest that egg consumption does not appear to raise triglyceride levels.

What are the main causes of high triglycerides?

Factors that may raise triglyceride levels include:Excessive alcohol use.Family history of high cholesterol.Liver disease or kidney disease.Medications, including diuretics, hormones, corticosteroids and beta blockers.Menopause.Obesity.Smoking.Thyroid disease.More items...•

What are the warning signs of high triglycerides?

Another warning sign of very high triglycerides is a condition called acute pancreatitis. Symptoms include sudden severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing. Alcohol can trigger an attack of pancreatitis, and if you have high triglycerides, alcohol can shoot them up even higher.

What is the danger level of triglycerides?

There's no question that extremely high levels (1,000 mg/dL or more) spell trouble and can lead to acute pancreatitis. But what about treating lower levels of triglycerides?...Triglyceride levelsNormalLess than 150*Borderline high150–199High200–499Very high500 or higher1 more row

How can I check my triglycerides at home?

To use a cholesterol home test kit, you first prick your finger with the lancet. Next, you place the blood droplet on the test strip. The cholesterol home test strip has special chemicals that change colors after a few minutes. You then match the final color against a color guide that's included with the kit.

How to lower triglycerides?

5. Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise can increase the amount of HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood, which can then lower triglyceride levels.

What causes high triglycerides?

Insulin resistance is another factor that can contribute to high blood triglycerides. After you eat a meal, the cells in your pancreas send a signal to release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin is then responsible for transporting sugar to your cells to be used for energy.

What happens to triglycerides after you eat?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. After you eat, your body converts the calories that you don’t need into triglycerides and stores them in your fat cells to be used for energy later.

What is added sugar?

Added sugar is commonly found in sweets, soft drinks, and fruit juice. Extra sugar in your diet may be turned into triglycerides, which can lead to an increase in blood triglyceride levels, along with other heart disease risk factors.

How to lower cholesterol and triglycerides?

A regular workout regimen that includes high-intensity aerobic exercise may increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and decrease blood triglycerides. 6. Avoid trans fats. Artificial trans fats are a type of fat added to processed foods to increase their shelf-life.

Which fish has the highest triglycerides?

Salmon, herring, sardines, tuna, and mackerel are a few types of fish that are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids. Summary. Fatty fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Eating two servings per week may lower triglyceride levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.

What percentage of people have high triglycerides?

About 25% of adults in the United States have elevated blood triglycerides, which is classified as having triglyceride levels over 150 mg/dL ( 2. Trusted Source. ). Having obesity, unmanaged diabetes, regular alcohol use, and a high calorie diet can all contribute to high blood triglyceride levels.

What to do if you have a high triglyceride level?

If your blood test lipid panel indicates that you have a high triglyceride level, your doctor will probably recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercising and following a diet low in simple carbohydrates, trans fats, and foods with hydrogenated oils or fats.

What are some ways to lower triglycerides?

Healthy lifestyle choices that lower high triglyceride levels include: Diet. Avoid simple carbohydrates (such as sugar and foods made with white flour or fructose), trans fats, and foods with hydrogenated oils or fats.

How does triglycerides affect your health?

How Triglycerides Affect Your Health. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the body. Your body stores and uses this type of fat for energy between meals. If the level of triglycerides in your blood is elevated, it could mean you’re at high risk for health problems. Learn more about triglycerides, including what causes high triglyceride ...

What to do if lipid panel results show triglycerides?

If your lipid panel results show triglyceride levels above normal, your doctor will most likely suggest lifestyle changes focused on diet and exercise. If diet and exercise do not have the desired effect, your doctor may recommend medication, such as statins or fibrates.

What happens if you take too much triglyceride?

taking certain medications (e.g., diuretics, hormones, corticosteroids, beta-blockers) Higher than normal triglyceride levels may put you at risk for arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls), heart attack, stroke, and heart disease.

Is it normal to have a low triglyceride level?

If you have a triglyceride level lower than normal (under 150 mg/dl), it’s most likely a reflection of lifestyle choices such as: a low-fat diet. a healthy diet. a diet that includes fasting.

How to lower triglycerides?

Reduce your calorie intake – Your body transforms extra calories into triglycerides and then into fat, so if you reduce your calorie intake you can help lower your triglyceride levels. Also, limit your intake of foods high in sugar and carbohydrates as they can increase your levels.

What causes high triglycerides?

When you don't do physical activity, these levels can drop significantly. Certain medications may cause high triglyceride, which include beta-blockers, diuretics, estrogen, retinoid, corticosteroids and protease inhibitors.

What happens if you eat too many calories?

If you consume more calories than you need by overeating, you may develop high triglycerides also known as hypertriglyceridemia. This often happens if the extra calories are coming from fatty foods or those high in carbohydrates. A blood test can determine if your triglyceride levels are normal.

What is the name of the fat that is created from extra calories?

Triglycerides are lipids found in your blood. Lipids are fat created from extra calories your body gets when eating. Once your body has used what it needs at the time, it stores the rest in the form of lipids. If you consume more calories than you need by overeating, you may develop high triglycerides also known as hypertriglyceridemia.

What does high triglycerides mean?

High triglycerides is often a sign of other ailments like obesity, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, liver disease, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, kidney disease or a sign of an adverse reaction to certain medications. Having it checked and under control will help a lot.

Why is it hard to maintain HDL?

Excess belly fat – When you put on too much fat around your belly, your body triggers a chemical reaction that makes it difficult for you to keep your lipid levels normal and healthy. Lack of exercise – When you exercise, you keep your HDL at healthy levels, due in part to a chemical reaction in your muscles.

How to reduce a fatty acid in your body?

Choose healthier fats – Lower your saturated fat intake and consume monounsaturated or omega-3 fatty acids instead. Choose healthier fats like peanut, olive and canola oils. Eat fish in lieu of red meat, in particular salmon for its high omega-3 fatty acid content.

What foods lower triglycerides?

Oatmeal. Apples (with skin). Pears. Greens. Sweet potatoes. Whole grains. Brown rice. Dr. Nissen advises that increasing your fiber intake may lower triglyceride levels. “If you have high triglyceride levels, there’s a good chance you don’t ingest close to the recommended 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day,” he says.

Why do people with type 2 diabetes have high triglycerides?

When we make more triglycerides than we use , the rest are stored as fat. That’s why many people who are overweight or type 2 diabetes have high levels. “Poor diabetes control is a major factor in causing high triglyceride levels,” Dr. Nissen says. He stresses the importance of watching your carbohydrate consumption.

Can alcohol cause weight gain?

Weight gain isn’t just from food. High triglyceride levels can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption as well. So if your levels are higher than normal, it might be a good idea to eliminate alcohol completely. “Weight has a profound impact on triglycerides,” says Dr. Nissen.

How to reduce triglycerides in body?

Share on Pinterest. Salads and other dishes that contain vegetables tend to have fewer calories and more fiber, both of which can help reduce triglyceride levels. Regularly consuming more calories than the body can burn off will result in an excessive number of triglycerides in the body.

Why is triglyceride high?

High triglyceride levels may have this effect because they can cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is a combination of cholesterol, triglyceride fats, calcium, cellular waste, and fibrin, which is the material that the body uses for clotting.

What are some ways to lower triglycerides?

Unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), can help lower triglyceride levels. Avocados and olive oil contain monounsaturated fats, also a healthful choice. Omega-3 fats are present in cod liver oil, flaxseeds, and cold-water fish, such as salmon and sardines. People can add PUFAs to their diet by eating these foods.

Why are triglycerides important?

When the body needs more energy at a later stage, it consumes these fats. Triglycerides are important for health, but high levels increase the risk of heart disease , which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Lowering triglyceride levels and reducing other risk factors can decrease. Trusted Source.

What happens if you eat more carbs than you need?

If a person eats more carbohydrates than they need, the body will store them as fat. A rise in triglyceride levels seems to accompany diets with a carbohydrate intake above 60 percent. There are many ways to avoid carbohydrates, such as wrapping lean burgers in lettuce instead of a high-carb bun.

How high is triglyceride?

High triglyceride levels range from 200–499 mg/dl. Very high levels begin at 500 mg/dl. The AHA still consider triglyceride levels of up to 150 mg/dl to be within the normal range, but they recommend keeping levels below 100 mg/dl for optimum health.

How much weight loss can lower triglycerides?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a 5–10 percent weight loss can decrease triglyceride levels by 20 percent. There is a direct correlation between the extent of weight loss and the decrease in triglycerides. 2. Fats: Choose the right ones.

What are the effects of high triglycerides?

High triglycerides may contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls (arteriosclerosis) — which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. Extremely high triglycerides can also cause acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). High triglycerides are often a sign of other conditions ...

What can lower triglycerides?

Fibrates. Fibrate medications, such as fenofibrate (TriCor, Fenoglide, others) and gemfibrozil (Lopid), can lower your triglyceride levels. Fibrates aren't used if you have severe kidney or liver disease. Fish oil. Also known as omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can help lower your triglycerides.

Why do triglycerides matter?

If you've been keeping an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, there's something else you might need to monitor: your triglycerides. Having a high level of triglycerides in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease.

How to get rid of a swollen thigh?

Trade saturated fat found in meats for healthier fat found in plants, such as olive and canola oils. Instead of red meat, try fish high in omega-3 fatty acids — such as mackerel or salmon. Avoid trans fats or foods with hydrogenated oils or fats. Limit how much alcohol you drink.

How to control triglycerides?

Eating whole grains and cutting back on soda can help control triglycerides. Check your alcohol use. In some people, alcohol dramatically boosts triglycerides. The only way to know if this is true for you is to avoid alcohol for a few weeks and have your triglycerides tested again. Go fish.

What is a very high triglyceride level?

very high: 500 mg/dL and above. "High" or "very high" levels of triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. When the triglyceride level nears 1,000 mg/dL, individuals can develop pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas, in addition to heart disease.

How long does it take for triglycerides to clear?

After an especially fatty meal, triglycerides can be so abundant that they give the blood a milky tint. Within a few hours after a meal, triglycerides have mostly cleared out of the bloodstream. The American Heart Association sets out four main categories of triglyceride levels: very high: 500 mg/dL and above.

What are the risks of high triglycerides?

High triglyceride levels also may be associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and a cluster of heart disease risk factors known as the metabolic syndrome. Together, these features put a person at especially high risk of heart disease. Triglyceride-lowering drugs have been available for some time. The main drugs that lower triglycerides are niacin ...

What is triglycerides in food?

What are triglycerides? Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the bloodstream. After you eat a snack or meal, your body breaks down the fats in the food, packages them with protein and cholesterol, and dumps them into the bloodstream.

What type of fat is circulating in the bloodstream?

But there’s another type of fat you shouldn’t ignore: triglycerides. As with cholesterol, high triglycerides can also increase ...

Can high triglycerides cause heart attacks?

As with cholesterol, high triglycerides can also increase the risk of having a heart attack. Existing drugs for lowering triglycerides aren’t that good at reducing heart attack risk. That’s why a report on a new way to lower triglycerides, published in today’s New England Journal of Medicine, is generating some excitement among cardiologists.

How to lower triglycerides?

One of the easiest things you can do to lower your triglycerides is to cut out sweetened drinks. Sodas and other sugary drinks are packed with fructose, a known offender when it comes to boosting triglycerides. Drink no more than 36 ounces of sweet sippers per week -- that means three 12-ounce cans of soda.

What is the best way to lower triglycerides?

8 / 17. The same omega-3 fats that are good for your heart can help lower your triglycerides, too. Next time you eat out, get the fish instead of a burger or steak. Eat fish at least twice a week. Salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, albacore tuna, and sardines are all high in omega-3s. Swipe to advance.

What foods raise triglycerides?

If you have high triglycerides, get your sweet tooth in check. Simple sugars, especially fructose (a sugar often found in fruit), raise triglycerides. Watch out for foods made with added sugar, including soda, baked goodies, candy, most breakfast cereals, flavored yogurt, and ice cream.

What to take if your diet hasn't helped enough?

If lifestyle changes haven't helped enough, your doctor may suggest adding a prescription medicine. Fibrates, niacin, statins, and high-dose fish oil are a few of the options. Your doctor will look at all your blood fats -- triglycerides and all types of cholesterol -- to decide the best way to protect your heart.

What does a blood test show for triglycerides?

A simple blood test can spot high triglycerides . Your doctor may also look for related health problems. These include kidney disease, a slow thyroid gland, diabetes, and obesity. Here's how triglyceride test numbers stack up:

What are some good foods to eat to reduce fat?

Choose foods that naturally contain mono- and polyunsaturated fats: avocados, walnuts, chicken without the skin, canola oil, and olive oil. Avoid trans fats, which are found in many processed foods, French fries, crackers, cakes, chips, and stick margarine.

Can high triglycerides cause heart problems?

Now your yearly blood work comes back showing high triglycerides. These fats are an important source of energy in your body, but at high levels they can hurt your heart. Like cholesterol, triglyceride troubles can lead to clogged arteries and possibly to a heart attack or stroke. Luckily, there are many ways to lower your triglycerides.