Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood and stored in the fat cells. They are the major sources of energy and common type of fat in the body.
Triglycerides
When eat, the body uses the calories it needs for quick energy. The extra calories regardless of what type of food, whether fat, carbohydrate, or protein is converts into triglycerides and stores in fat cells for future use. If regularly consume more calories than needed for energy, then may have high triglycerides.
High triglycerides (Hypertriglyceridemia)
At normal levels, triglycerides are important for good health. When triglyceride levels are higher, it is not clear whether it will increase the risk of heart disease. However, often part of a group of conditions called metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is the combination of hypertension, diabetes, big waist (means huge fat around the waist), low HDL or good cholesterol, and high triglycerides. This syndrome does increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Triglycerides are measuring as part of a blood test that measures your cholesterol. Normal triglyceride levels are below 150. High levels are 200 or above.
High Triglycerides causes
Conditions that may cause high triglycerides include:
- Obesity, overweight or bigger-waist
- Improperly diabetes control
- Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
- Kidney disease
- Regular consumption of more calories than requirement
- Drinking too much of alcohol.
Certain medicines may also contribute to high triglycerides.
- Tamoxifen
- Steroids
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Estrogen
- Birth control pills
Some types of high cholesterol and high triglycerides are due to genetics.