Definition

Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and in the body

When triglyceride levels are high, it can be associated with coronary artery disease and stroke.

Causes

Causes may include:

• Excess triglyceride production in the body, usually related to genetics
• Excess ingestion of triglycerides from food sources
• Kidney problems
• Liver disease

Risk Factors

It is more common for older adults, especially men, to have high triglycerides. Facters that may increase your risk of high triglycerides include:

• A family history of hyperlipidemia
• A diet high in

  saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol

• Postmenopause in women
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol intake
• Certain conditions, including:
  • Diabetes
  • Low thyroid
  • Cushing’s syndrome
• Certain medications, such as birth control pills and isotretinoin, which is used to treat acne

Symptoms

High triglyceride levels

usually do

not cause symptoms. Very high levels of

triglycerides can cause:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting—associated with acute pancreatitis

Elevated triglyceride levels

can increase your risk of atherosclerosis. This is a dangerous hardening of the arteries. It can end up blocking blood flow. In some cases, this may result in:

• Angina
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Other serious complications

Diagnosis

This condition is diagnosed with blood tests. These tests measure the levels of

triglycerides

in the blood. The National Cholesterol Education Program advises that you have your lipids checked at least once every 5 years, starting at age 20. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lipid screening for children at risk, such as those with a family history of hyperlipidemia

or significant obesity starting between 2 to 8 years old. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends routine screening at 9 to 11 years old and again at 17 to 12 years old.

Triglycerides may be part of a fasting lipid profile blood test including:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL (bad cholesterol)
• HDL (good cholesterol)
• Triglycerides

Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier testing if you have a:

• Family history of hyperlipidemia
• Risk factor or disease that may cause hyperlipidemia
• Complication that may result from hyperlipidemia

Treatment

Treatment is not only aimed at correcting triglyceride

levels, but also at lowering the overall risk for heart disease and stroke.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting hyperlipidemia, take the following steps:

• Have cholesterol tests starting at age 20—or younger if you have risk factors.
• Eat a diet low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
• Drink alcohol in moderation—two drinks per day for men

  and one drink per day for women.

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly. Talk with your doctor first.
• If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar.
• Talk to your doctor about medications you are taking. Some may have side effects that cause high triglyceride levels

  .

Vascular Web http://www.vascularweb.org

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.com

Side effects of anti-HIV medications. National Institutes of Health website. Available at:
http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/SideEffectAnitHIVMeds_cbrochure_en.pdf
Published October 2005. Accessed March 12, 2015.

What your cholesterol levels mean. American Heart Association website. Available at:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/What-Your-Cholesterol-Levels-Mean_UCM_305562_Article.jsp
Updated January 14, 2015. Accessed March 12, 2015.

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Daniels SR, Greer FR; Committee on Nutrition. Lipid screening and cardiovascular health in childhood. Pediatrics. 2008;122:198-208.