Causes of High Triglycerides

High levels of triglycerides are directly linked to heart disease and stroke even when the cholesterol levels are not high. Hypertriglyceridemia can be well controlled by eliminating the causes of high triglycerides.

Triglycerides/triacylglycerides are the main source of energy in the body. Excess calories that are obtained from the fats and carbohydrates in foods are stored as triglycerides in the fatty tissues of the body.

Borderline increase in triacylglycerides is asymptomatic. Very high levels of triacylglycerides can cause cardiovascular illnesses, xanthoma, and pancreatitis.

Triglyceride level should be maintained as low as 150 mg/dL. A level of 200 and above is considerably high and would need immediate attention. Modifications in the diet can greatly help in controlling its levels.

• Obesity results in lipid imbalance in the blood, which leads to low HDL (good cholesterol) and high LDL and triacylglycerides.
• Lack of exercise causes unhealthy weight gain.
• Smoking is a major risk factor in causing hypertriglyceridemia.

• Excessive alcohol consumption stimulates the production of triglycerides and hampers the absorption of fat from the blood.
• Inadequate fasting: A fasting period of 12 hours prior to cholesterol testing is mandatory. A period less than that results in an artificial rise in triacylglycerides.

• Skipping meals and eating large portions of meals at a time.
• Late-night snacking and overeating are also major factors.

☛ Sugar
Simple carbs in sugary foods stimulate insulin production and increase triacylglycerides. Examples of such foods are: Table and brown sugar.

☛ Sweets
These include chocolates, candies, candy bars, jams, and jellies.

☛ Desserts
These include cookies, cakes, pies, and ice creams.

☛ Natural sugars
Sugar intake should be restricted to as low as 8% of the total calorie intake per day. Even natural sugars like sucrose, glucose, and fructose tend to increase the triglyceride levels.

☛ Beverages
Colas, lemonade, smoothies, and sports drinks should be replaced with sugar-free diet drinks. Excessive consumption of beer, wine, and liquor should be avoided.

☛ Starchy foods
White bread, white rice, pastas, potatoes, pizzas, and fries should not be had on a regular basis.

☛ Saturated and trans fats
These being artificially altered have a detrimental effect on the body. Examples are dairy products, fried foods, fast foods, cheese, butter, shortening, and ready-to-eat snacks. Individuals with high triacylglycerides may prefer to use monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils, like canola oil, olive oil, or liquid margarine.

• Undiagnosed diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Acute hepatitis
• Liver disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease

• Acromegaly
• Lipodystrophies
• Cushing's syndrome
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Familial hypertriglyceridemia
• Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia
• Familiar lipoprotein lipase deficiency
• Type III hyperlipoproteinemia
• Type V hyperlipoproteinemia

• Antiretroviral therapy
• Beta-blockers
• Cyclosporine
• Diuretics
• Estrogen replacement therapy
• Glucocorticoids
• Newer antipsychotics

• Oral contraceptives
• Progesterone
• Retinoids
• Steroids
• Tamoxifen

Use of medications to lower triglycerides is usually discouraged because of its manifold side effects. By restricting the intake of foods that cause the blood lipids to rise, one can naturally control this problem.

The ways to manage this problem would vary depending upon the causes. Therefore, only a physician would be able to deal with it in the best possible manner.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.