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 from/to calories
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; are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for
future use. If regularly consume more calories than needed for energy,
then may have high triglycerides.
High triglycerides
At
normal levels, triglycerides are important for good health. When
triglyceride levels are higher than normal, it is not clear whether it
will increase the risk of heart disease. But often part of a group of
conditions called metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is the
combination of high blood pressure, high blood glucose, big waist
(means high 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 measured as part
of a blood test that measures your cholesterol. Normal triglyceride
levels are below 150. High levels are 200 or above.
Triglycerides causes
Conditions that may cause high triglycerides include:
- Obesity, overweight, bigger waist size.
- Improperly controlled diabetes.
- Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism).
- Kidney disease.
- Regularly consuming more calories than needed.
- 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.
