Triglycerides are a type of fat in the bloodstream that can be stored in the body and if levels are too high, can collect in the arteries of the heart. Normal levels are below 150 and levels above 200 warrant medical intervention.
Elevated levels of triglycerides may be a result of a high-fat diet (of saturated fats from animal fats and trans fats), sedentary behavior, obesity, diabetes, alcoholism or kidney failure.
Generally if you have high cholesterol levels, you may also have a high triglyceride level.
Identification
The National Institutes of Health defines triglycerides as fats from foods that exist in the body that can line the arteries of the heart. This would lead to an increased risk for atherosclerosis.
At-risk individuals are screened by their doctors and undergo cholesterol testing to see what level their triglycerides are. Normal levels are below 150.
Significance
The National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood at the National Institutes of Health recommends all adults 20 and older get their blood cholesterol levels checked every year. It is one indicator as to whether a person is more at risk for developing coronary heart diseases.
That includes learning the levels of the triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the "good fats," and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the "bad fats."
Function
A blood test administered by your doctor will easily provide you with the three most important cholesterol numbers. The level of HDL, LDL and triglycerides.
Typically you will need to fast for 12 hours before the test. Blood is withdrawn and several test tubes are sent to a lab.
Considerations
There are many factors that can have an effect on your triglyceride level, including your age, body weight, diet, gender, genetic risk for heart disease and physical activity.
Factors that can increase your risk for heart disease include a triglyceride level higher than 200, smoking, high blood pressure, being 45 or older for men and 55 or older for women.
Misconceptions
The primary misconception about triglycerides is people believing that if they don't smoke or exercise but eat a high-fat diet of saturated fats, that they are not at risk for heart disease.
Male athletes can develop high-cholesterol levels if they consume a high-fat diet even though they exercise. The saturated fat can line the arteries of the heart and begin to block passage of blood and oxygen to the heart and brain.
Many people do not get tested and may not have symptoms. Only if they experience chest pain do they consider seeking medical help.
Instead, observe your diet and lifestyle factors and ask your doctor if you are at risk for high triglyceride levels or at risk for developing coronary disease.
Tags: arteries heart, heart disease, high-fat diet, risk heart, risk heart disease