Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood and your fat cells. Triglycerides are the main form of fat stored in the body. They result from the digestion of fats from food, and provide you with the energy to undertake your daily activities.
Many Australians, especially those carrying too much weight around their waist, have raised triglyceride levels.
Triglycerides and heart disease
The link between high triglycerides and cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels, such as heart attack and stroke) is complex. Raised levels of triglycerides are often part of what is known as ‘metabolic syndrome’, a condition that increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. A person with metabolic syndrome will have excess weight around the waist and at least 2 of the following:
- high blood pressure;
- raised levels of triglycerides;
- low levels of the ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; or
- an abnormal fasting blood glucose.
However, researchers are increasingly recognising that raised triglycerides can by themselves increase your risk of cardiovascular disease — even if your cholesterol levels are normal.
Measuring triglyceride levels
When you have a blood cholesterol test, the laboratory can measure triglyceride levels as well. The levels of triglyceride can be influenced by the recent intake of fat in the diet and the consumption of alcohol. When you are being tested for triglyceride levels you will generally be asked to abstain from any alcohol for 72 hours, and to have had no food for 12 hours before the testing.
The National Heart Foundation, in its 2005 position statement, recommends that the target level of triglycerides in the blood should be less than 1.5 mmol/L for people who are considered to be at risk of coronary heart disease — for example, if you have diabetes, long-term kidney disease or a history of heart or blood vessel disease. This target may be different for people at lower risk of heart disease.
Lowering your triglyceride level
As high plasma triglyceride levels may indicate an increased risk of future heart disease, especially in combination with high levels of total cholesterol and ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, it is important that you maintain your triglycerides below the recommended levels. Very high levels of triglycerides (above 10 mmol/L) may also cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
You may be able to lower your triglyceride levels in several ways:
- limiting foods rich in simple carbohydrates, such as sugary snacks, in your diet;
- choosing polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats (sources include mackerel, salmon and tuna; olive, canola and sunflower oils; and nuts, seeds and avocado) instead of saturated fats (sources include red meat and poultry, butter, cream, cheese and baked goods);
- reducing your alcohol intake; and
- increasing your physical activity — aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity such as a brisk walk on most days.
Your doctor may prescribe medicines such as gemfibrozil (for example, Ausgem, Lopid), fenofibrate (brand name Lipidil) or nicotinic acid to help reduce your levels of triglycerides. Nicotinic acid is a form of vitamin B; however, it should be used to lower triglyceride levels only under a doctor’s supervision, as side effects are possible. Fish oil may also be recommended, either on its own or in conjunction with other medicines.
Some medicines for other conditions can raise triglyceride levels — if this is the case, your doctor may suggest an alternative.
If you have abnormal cholesterol levels as well as raised triglycerides, your doctor may recommend another medicine in addition to those that lower your triglycerides. Talk to your doctor to find out the best treatment for you.
Last Reviewed: 19 March 2007
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