Why do triglycerides rise and how can we control them?

The three main pillars of controlling triglycerides: Healthy eating, regular physical activity and a lasting reduction in their level

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that circulates in the blood and are the most common type of fat in the body. When you eat, your body converts extra calories it does not need right away into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells to be used later as energy. Triglycerides differ from cholesterol, although both are measured in a blood test called a "lipid profile" or "lipid panel" and both play a role in heart and vascular health.

Common causes of high blood triglycerides

High triglycerides are usually the result of several factors combined, not a single cause:

Diet- and lifestyle-related factors

• Eating more calories than the body needs, especially from refined carbohydrates
• High intake of sugar, fructose and sweetened drinks
• Alcohol consumption; even small amounts have a noticeable effect
• High intake of saturated and trans fats
• Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle
• Overweight and obesity, especially fat accumulation around the waist

Underlying diseases and conditions

• Type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome
• Hypothyroidism
• Chronic kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome
• Liver diseases, including fatty liver

Medications

• Thiazide diuretics and some blood pressure drugs (beta-blockers)
• Estrogen and hormonal contraceptive pills
• Corticosteroids
• Some immunosuppressive drugs and certain HIV medications

Genetic and other factors

• Family history of high triglycerides or cholesterol
• Rare genetic lipid disorders, such as familial hypertriglyceridemia
• Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester
• Increasing age

Why do high triglycerides matter?

• Increased risk of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke
• At very high levels, risk of acute pancreatitis
• Close link with metabolic syndrome and fatty liver

Four practical strategies to control triglycerides

1. Smart eating

• Sharply reduce simple sugars, fructose and refined carbohydrates
• Replace saturated and trans fats with healthy fats
• Eat fatty fish at least twice a week
• Increase soluble fiber
• Limit alcohol

2. Regular physical activity

At least 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity.

3. Gradual, lasting weight loss

A 5 to 10 percent weight loss.

4. Managing underlying factors and regular monitoring

Control diabetes and thyroid conditions and have periodic tests.

When should we see a doctor immediately?

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Yellow bumps under the skin
• Symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between high triglycerides and high cholesterol?
Triglycerides carry stored energy, while cholesterol plays a role in building cells and hormones.

Do high triglycerides cause symptoms?
In most cases, no. They are often discovered through a blood test.

How long do lifestyle changes take to work?
Usually a few weeks to a few months.

Reliable scientific sources

• Mayo Clinic – Triglycerides
• Cleveland Clinic
• NHLBI / NIH
• American Heart Association