The term "triglycerides" may be familiar to you. A blood test at a laboratory or hospital will reveal them in a lipid profile or lipid panel test.

Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that comes from the foods we consume. They are stored in fat cells and released for energy between meals. If you consistently consume more calories than your body needs and can burn, your triglyceride levels will rise. High levels can put you at risk for heart and blood vessel disease.

What is the normal triglyceride level?

To determine the level of triglycerides in your blood, you must undergo a lipid panel test. This test involves drawing blood from a vein in the arm and analyzing it in the laboratory.

Here are the general ranges of triglyceride levels:

• Normal: less than 150 mg/dL
• Borderline: 150-199 mg/dL
• High: 200–499 mg/dL
• Very high: 500 mg/dL or higher

Health risks associated with high triglycerides

If your triglyceride levels are persistently high, you face several health risks, including:

Increased risk of heart disease

High triglyceride levels can indicate insulin resistance, where the body cannot use insulin properly. When insulin fails to function correctly, glucose cannot enter the body's cells, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.

This condition can lead to prediabetes, which may progress to diabetes. Poorly managed diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and other complications

Fatty liver

High triglyceride levels increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition occurs when there is an abnormal buildup of fat in the liver, often due to an unhealthy diet.

The disease may develop without obvious symptoms, but liver function tests can detect it. Uncontrolled fatty liver can cause significant inflammation and liver damage.

Increased risk of pancreatitis

High triglyceride levels, particularly those above 500 mg/dL, can increase the risk of pancreatic inflammation, known as pancreatitis. This condition can be serious, with symptoms including mild to severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating.

How to reduce triglyceride levels

Medications prescribed by your doctor can help reduce triglyceride levels. However, these drugs will be more effective when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, such as:

Exercise

Walking, running, cycling, swimming, and weight lifting can all help lower triglycerides and raise good cholesterol. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, five days a week.

Healthy diet

Eating healthier foods can help reduce triglyceride levels. Reduce your consumption of added sugars and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, and processed foods high in simple sugars. Replace them with complex carbohydrates found in whole grains and fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

Lose weight

Obesity is often associated with insulin resistance and metabolic disorders that can increase triglyceride production and retention. As you lose weight, the amount of body fat, including triglycerides stored in fat cells, decreases.

Choosing healthy fats

Replacing saturated fats with healthier fats is an essential step toward lowering triglycerides. Olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are all sources of healthy fats.

When it comes to medications that lower triglycerides, you should not take them carelessly. Make sure to get medication prescribed by a doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your medical condition.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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