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High Triglycerides


The Basics


Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What are high triglycerides? " � Triglycerides are fat-like substances in the blood. Everyone has them, but some people have too much of them. This can cause high levels of triglycerides in the blood, also called "high triglycerides. " � � �
Compared with people who have normal triglycerides, people with high triglycerides can have a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems. � �
People with very high triglycerides can get inflammation in the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that makes hormones and fluids to help the body break down food. When the pancreas gets inflamed, it can cause serious health problems. � �
What should my triglyceride level be? " � Ask your doctor or nurse what your triglyceride level should be. In general, levels are: � �
  • Normal " � less than 150 mg/dL (If you live outside the United States, triglycerides are measured differently. The normal level is less than 1.7 mmol/L.)
  • Close to high " � 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.7 to 2.2 mmol/L)
  • High " � 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)
  • Very high " � greater than 500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L)

What should I do if my doctor tells me I have high triglycerides? " � Ask your doctor what your total risk of heart attacks and strokes is. Having high triglycerides is just one of many things that can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes. You are also at higher risk if you: � �
  • Smoke cigarettes
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Are overweight
  • Have a parent, sister, or brother who got heart disease at a young age (Young, in this case, means younger than 55 for men and younger than 65 for women.)
  • Are a man " � Women are at risk too, but men have a higher risk.
  • Are older
  • Have diabetes " � Especially if you cannot control your blood sugar well.

Should I take medicine to lower my triglycerides? " � Not everyone who has high triglycerides needs medicines to lower them. Your doctor or nurse will decide if you need medicine. It depends on your age, family history, and other health concerns. People who already have a condition called "coronary heart disease " � almost always need to take medicine for high triglycerides. � �
Medicines can include: � �
  • Medicines to lower triglyceride levels " � These include fenofibrate (sample brand names: Antara, Fenoglide), nicotinic acid (sample brand names: Niacor, Niaspan), or fish oil (brand name: Lovaza).
  • Statins " � These medicines can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. They are used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Many people with high triglycerides also have high cholesterol.

The medicine you take will depend on your triglyceride levels and other factors. If your triglycerides are very high, you might need more than one medicine. � �
Can I lower my triglycerides without medicines? " � Yes, you might be able to lower high triglycerides if you: � �
  • Lose weight (if you are overweight)
  • Get regular exercise
  • Avoid foods and drinks with a lot of sugar and carbohydrates - These include white bread, fruit juice, soda, and sweets.
  • Avoid red meat, butter, fried foods, cheese, oils, and nuts " � This can help if your triglycerides are over 500.
  • Limit alcohol " � In you are a man, have 2 drinks a day or less. If you are a woman, have 1 drink a day or less. If your triglycerides are over 500, ask your doctor or nurse if it is safe to drink alcohol.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 86012 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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