One kind of fat (lipid) that can be present in your blood is triglycerides. They are the most prevalent kind of fat in the body and a major energy source. Any extra calories your body produces after eating are converted by your body into triglycerides, which are subsequently kept in your fat cells. For energy in between meals, triglycerides are released later by hormones. Although essential for good health, high triglyceride levels raise the risk of heart disease.Three fatty acids and one glycerol molecule make up the molecular structure of triglycerides. This arrangement makes energy storage effective. Triglycerides can be found in foods such as meats, dairy products, oils, butter, and other fats. The triglycerides in these foods are broken down by the body and either used right away or stored in adipose tissue for later use when energy is needed.Triglycerides typically have a blood concentration of less than 150 mg/dL. 200–499 mg/dL is high, 500 mg/dL or more is very high, and levels between 150–199 mg/dL are regarded as borderline high. The condition referred to as hypertriglyceridemia, or elevated triglyceride levels, raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis, or the hardening or thickening of the arterial walls. Moreover, abnormally elevated levels may cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.High triglyceride levels are caused by a number of conditions, such as obesity, poorly managed diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney illness, and specific hereditary abnormalities. Lifestyle decisions include a diet heavy in calories, especially from fat and sugar, drinking too much alcohol, and leading a sedentary life also have a big impact.Changes in lifestyle are frequently advised in order to control and lower elevated triglyceride levels. These include cutting back on drinking, lowering weight, exercising frequently, and implementing a heart-healthy diet that minimizes sugar and refined carbs. Occasionally, doctors will prescribe drugs like fibrates, niacin, or supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids.It is essential to keep an eye on triglyceride levels for cardiovascular health. Frequent examinations and blood tests can support general health by managing and reducing the hazards related to elevated triglyceride levels.
