When a regular blood test diagnoses high levels of triglycerides, the question that most individuals usually ask is: What does triglycerides high means, and how serious is it?
High triglycerides are not just a number; they are a symptom of an imbalanced metabolism that is potentially dangerous to your heart, liver and general well-being. Although the condition is widespread, it can be treated through appropriate medical advice, planning a change of lifestyle, and diet.
This comprehensive guide discloses the high triglyceride levels, causes, symptoms of it, diagnosis and treatment, as well as a handy list of foods to avoid with this condition. Let’s get started.
What Are Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a kind of fat in your blood. When one eats, the body transforms the excess calories into triglycerides, which can be later used as a means of energy. An increase above the normal range is a sign of metabolic disturbance.
Even though high triglycerides may be associated with high cholesterol, certain individuals develop high triglycerides and normal cholesterol. Therefore, it is relevant to measure triglycerides without taking into consideration the overall cholesterol.
Whether your triglycerides are in the healthy range or not is revealed by a mere blood test. Before the test, one must fast to achieve the correct triglyceride level. You need to check the following parameters to check if you have high triglycerides:
- Normal: Below 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
- Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL (1.8-2.2 mmol/L)
- High: 200-499 mg/dL (2.3-5.6 mmol/L)
- Very High: Whereas 500mg/dL equals or exceeds 8.5mmol/L.
- A doctor normally verifies triglycerides as a lipid panel (cholesterol test).
Reasons For High Triglycerides
Understanding the key causes of major reasons for high triglycerides before understanding their symptoms or treatment is significant, as it usually dictates the medical intervention required.
The levels are caused by several factors that relate to lifestyle, diet, and medical conditions. The most typical triggers are listed below:
- Excessive consumption of sugary products, refined carbohydrates, and foods rich in calories
- Obesity or being overweight
- Children have a sedentary lifestyle and little physical activity
- Alcohol abuse
- Uncontrolled diabetes or pre diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney or liver disorders
- Some drugs, like steroids, diuretics, and beta blockers
Knowledge of what causes high triglycerides will help individuals know the risk factors at an early stage and take measures towards prevention.
High Triglycerides Symptoms
The majority of people do not show any evident symptoms at an early stage. But in case the level of triglycerides increases significantly, the body can start giving mild signs. When such signs are observed, it is necessary to seek healthcare.
Some of the typical symptoms of high triglycerides are:
- High blood pressure
- Reddening of skin
- Frequent memory loss
- Pain in the upper abdomen
Extremely high triglycerides symptoms may be seen in people, which include:
- Pancreatitis (severe pain in the abdomen)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Deposits beneath the skin (xanthomas) are of a yellowish colour.
Diagnosis of High Triglyceride Levels
High triglyceride levels are diagnosed through a simple blood test called a lipid profile. This test measures triglycerides along with cholesterol levels and is usually done after an overnight fast for accurate results.
Your doctor may also review your medical history, diet, medications, and risk factors like diabetes, thyroid issues, or liver conditions.
High Triglycerides Treatment
The management is dependent on the level of the elevation and the reason behind it. It is necessary to know before enumerating the measures of treatment that lifestyle changes are the foundation of any effective treatment plan. High triglyceride treatment strategies that are recommended by the clinical connections are:
- Lifestyle change, i.e. weight reduction
- Fibrates or omega-3 fatty acids are prescription drugs
- Management of people with diabetes in insulin-resistant persons
- Limiting alcohol consumption to avoid triglyceride bursts
- Surgical intervention for related disorders such as hypothyroidism
NOTE- The above suggestions are meant for general information only. Always speak with your doctor to get the best treatment plan for your needs.
Dietary & Lifestyle Tips: How to Reduce High Triglycerides Symptoms
Treatment of triglycerides would involve a heart-healthy regimen. Consistency is the most important aspect to remember before discussing specific tips; even the slightest changes every day will allow decreasing the number of steps to overcome high triglycerides symptoms and enhance metabolism.
Helpful habits include:
- Consumption of fibrous food materials such as whole grains, vegetables and beans.
- Doing exercises for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Drinking sufficient water
- Selecting healthy types of fats, e.g. nuts, seeds and olive oil.
- Restricting sugar, sweets and all refined carbohydrates.
- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep
- Coping with stress using yoga, breathing or meditation.
These are lifestyle changes that lessen the effects of high triglyceride levels and enhance wellness in general.
Read More: How To Improve Heart Health: Points To Keep In Mind
List of Foods to Avoid With High Triglycerides
Diet is a potent causative factor for high triglycerides. By following the list of foods to avoid with high triglycerides, one can ensure a regular improvement. They include:
- Deep-fried foods
- Sweet beverages such as soft drinks or canned juices.
- Pasta and refined flour products, white bread.
- Ready-to-eat food, cookies and desserts.
- Alcohol, in particular, beer and cocktails.
- Red meat and processed meats.
- Full-fat dairy products.
Conclusion
Being educated on Triglycerides’ high rate is knowing the early warning signs of the body and taking remedies. Common symptoms include nausea, frequent loss of memory, high blood pressure, etc, which can worsen if not treated early. These symptoms can be effectively dealt with through proper lifestyle changes, early diagnosis and use of appropriate medication. It is important to consult a specialist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for early recovery. Nourish your way to a healthier life through proper dieting, exercising and frequent check-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to High Triglycerides
What does it mean when your triglycerides are high?
Triglycerides high means that in the bloodstream, extra fat is circulating, which increases the risk of heart disease and pancreatitis. Continuous elevation of triglycerides can also indicate diabetes or metabolic problems.
Are high triglycerides worse than high cholesterol?
Both conditions are serious. High triglycerides affect metabolism and the pancreas, while high cholesterol affects the arteries and heart health. Doctors treat them according to the level, cause, and overall risk profiles, and many people actually have both elevated at the same time.
Do high triglycerides make you tired?
High triglycerides don’t directly cause tiredness, but they often occur alongside issues that can make you feel fatigued- such as insulin resistance, poor metabolism, inflammation, or an unhealthy diet. When triglycerides stay high for long periods, they may also contribute to conditions (like fatty liver or metabolic syndrome) that lead to low energy levels.
How do you lower your triglycerides fast?
Trace the cause of triglycerides, such as sugar, alcohol or obesity. To lower the level within a short period of time and deal with how to cut down the symptoms of high triglycerides, eliminate sugar, consume alcohol, exercise, and adhere to the prescribed treatment of high triglycerides.
What are the worst foods for high triglycerides?
Foods to avoid with high triglycerides would be sugar beverages, fried foodstuffs, refined carbs, and alcohol. These foods are contributing factors towards the cause of high triglycerides by the incorporation of unhealthy fats and sugars.
What causes high triglycerides but normal cholesterol?
High triglycerides with normal cholesterol can happen for many reasons. Too many refined carbs or sugary foods often raise triglycerides without affecting cholesterol. Insulin resistance, being overweight, alcohol, low activity, certain medications, and low thyroid levels can also cause this. Sometimes, it’s simply genetic.
