High Triglycerides are a risk factor for developing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. More than half of people with high LDL and HDL levels die before age 75.
For people with a normal triglyceride level of 100 mg/dL or less, cholesterol-lowering drugs, which lower the cholesterol in the blood, can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
As a person approaches the 70-year mark, the effects of medications and age on their cholesterol levels can begin to increase the risk of heart disease.
A history of heart disease is a risk factor for developing high triglycerides. However, heart disease is not the only risk factor for this condition.
Family history of high triglycerides
It is possible to develop high triglycerides due to a genetic tendency.
Postwar change. Following WWII, Japan's population was greatly reduced and focused on fighting in an overseas war, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Our ancestors were sent overseas to die in faraway lands in terrible conditions, rather than just sitting at home. With such a lengthy period of “purity” of the blood, levels of triglycerides went up and stayed up.
Substance abuse. Many substances that increase cholesterol levels are common and widespread in the United States. Because heart disease and cancer may be the consequence of excessive cholesterol levels, drug abuse may increase the risk of developing heart disease.
History of diabetes mellitus
Persons with diabetes mellitus type 2 (diabetes mellitus type 2) are more likely to develop high triglycerides than persons with diabetes mellitus type 1.
A diabetic's body makes insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When insulin levels are too low, blood sugar levels can rise, and symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, and weakness.
Diabetes mellitus type 1 causes high triglycerides and heart disease to develop more rapidly, because type 1 diabetes usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. It usually is diagnosed at an early age.
Diabetes mellitus type 2 can be linked to obesity, smoking, and a family history of diabetes mellitus. For these reasons, individuals who have a family history of diabetes mellitus type 2 should be tested for high triglycerides.
Other diseases
In addition to the usual risk factors, people who develop high triglycerides due to the following conditions should be monitored:
Overweight or obesity. If someone is overweight, then their body mass index (BMI) is a greater risk factor for the development of high triglycerides.
Obesity increases the amount of cholesterol in the blood, so a person who is overweight will have more cholesterol, and their triglyceride levels will rise. This can occur even if a person does not have other risk factors for high triglycerides.
If a person who is overweight does not exercise or lose weight, high triglyceride levels may occur, even though their BMI is normal. In this case, this is an increased risk factor for heart disease and strokes.
Also, a person who is obese will have high blood pressure, which may cause the heart to get bigger, leading to a larger heart attack.
Alcohol use. Studies have shown that those who have a high BMI and high alcohol consumption have a greater risk of developing high triglyceride levels.
People with depression and another condition called type 2 diabetes, have an increased risk of high triglyceride levels.
Risk factors and control
The causes of high triglyceride levels in a given person cannot be predicted, although family history is a risk factor.
Those who have a family history of high triglyceride levels should ask their doctor if they should be screened for triglycerides and if they are at risk for developing high triglycerides.
High triglyceride levels are often controlled through a medication called niacin. However, this medication is expensive and difficult to acquire.
Other treatment options include:
Medications
A number of medications are available for the treatment of high triglyceride levels. Examples include:
Niacin (BINU) . This medication is available as a generic, over-the-counter product, as well as a prescription product.
. This medication is available as a generic, over-the-counter product, as well as a prescription product. Amarin Plus (APPRO). This is a prescription product that helps people with type 2 diabetes achieve a normal lipid level. It also helps to maintain a normal serum cholesterol level.
Niacin and apo-niacin are each available as a tablet, which is a short-acting and long-acting form of the medication. When taken with food, the duration of action is immediate and lasts about one hour. Long-acting niacin is available in a combination tablet form known as Sambucet.
Diabetes medications
People who have type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for developing high triglyceride levels. This is because diabetes often causes high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause more damage to the blood vessels, which can increase the risk of developing high triglycerides.
Medications that can help reduce blood sugar levels include:
Lantus
Takeda's Lumizyme is another diabetes medication that can help to lower triglyceride levels. This drug is available in a pen form, called Fiasp. The drug is available to the U.S. public through the ADA's Part D prescription drug plan. It is not currently available for Medicare.
Long-acting insulins
People who use long-acting insulin, such as insulin glargine, are at increased risk of developing high triglyceride levels. Insulin glargine is available through the ADA's Part D prescription drug plan. In some countries, the drug is available to the public through the public healthcare system.
Corticosteroids
Individuals who have a medical condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at higher risk for developing high triglyceride levels.
SLE is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause damage to the blood vessels. This condition can make the arteries more likely to become stiff and weak, which can contribute to high triglyceride levels.
Cholesterol-lowering statins
Some statins can lower blood cholesterol levels and may also reduce triglyceride levels. The best choice for a person depends on the extent of their cholesterol levels and their risk for heart disease.
However, the evidence that statins reduce triglyceride levels is limited. So, their use is mainly limited to people with a very high risk of cardiovascular disease, such as those with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Statins are expensive, so some people who have high triglyceride levels may choose to try other forms of medication before using statins.
A recent review found that statins may reduce triglyceride levels by 10–20 percent. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that they increase triglyceride levels.
While statins may reduce triglyceride levels, they may not reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Prevention
To prevent the development of high triglyceride levels, a person should:
Lose Weight If Overweight Or Obese
Avoid Junk Food, Fast Foods, And Other High-Fat Foods
Reduce Or Avoid Smoking
Alcoholic Drinks Are Associated With High Triglyceride Levels. To Avoid These, A Person Should:
Limit The Quantity Of Alcoholic Drinks Consumed
Avoid Binge Drinking
Try to cut down on sweets and salty snacks. Try to reduce the amount of sugary snacks in the home.
Having regular health checkups and regular dental appointments can help to prevent many of the conditions associated with high triglyceride levels.
Risk factors
The following factors may increase a person's risk of developing high triglyceride levels:
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia, increase the risk of developing high triglyceride levels.
High triglyceride levels in people with diabetes may be the cause of eye problems and amputations.
Diagnosis
A doctor may carry out a physical examination, checking for:
a noticeable amount of fluid in the abdomen
problems with the gallbladder, which is located between the stomach and small intestine
a suspicious rash
What is the outlook?
Treatment of high triglyceride levels depends on the underlying cause.
However, a doctor will check to ensure the underlying cause of high triglyceride levels is treatable.
If the underlying cause cannot be treated, a person may need to take medications for the rest of their lives.
Trauma to the abdomen may increase triglyceride levels. However, if a person has a history of abdominal surgery, this is unlikely.
Outlook
High triglyceride levels do not necessarily indicate serious health problems. However, if high triglyceride levels become the result of certain health conditions, a person may be at an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A person should talk to their doctor if their triglyceride levels become excessive. They may be advised to monitor their levels and work with a healthcare provider to reduce them.
Low triglyceride levels can indicate a severe metabolic problem, such as diabetes or an infection.
A person with diabetes should speak to their doctor if their triglyceride levels do not fall after taking treatment for high blood sugar levels or after the doctor recommends dietary changes.
It is important for people to work closely with their healthcare team if they are experiencing a change in their triglyceride levels.
A doctor may recommend losing weight if a person is overweight or obese.
Tips to help prevent high triglyceride levels
Managing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing or avoiding alcohol may help to reduce the risk of high triglyceride levels.
Managing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing or avoiding alcohol may help to reduce the risk of high triglyceride levels. It is also essential to consume a healthful diet. A person should limit their intake of high-fat foods and drink less alcohol.
It is important to consult a doctor if a person has a family history of high triglyceride levels.
There are some simple steps that people can take to reduce their triglyceride levels:
Managing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol may help a person to reduce their triglyceride levels. It is also essential to consume a healthful diet.
Summary
High triglyceride levels can occur when someone has high triglyceride levels in their blood. An excess of triglyceride can also occur when someone has a high-fat diet.
High triglyceride levels can indicate health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. If a person experiences a sudden increase in triglyceride levels, they should speak to a doctor.
Recurrent bouts of high triglyceride levels may indicate more serious problems with the pancreas or the liver.
It is vital for people with high triglyceride levels to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
High triglyceride levels may indicate many different health problems. It is vital for a doctor to diagnose high triglyceride levels, so that a person can get the treatment they need.
It is possible to treat high triglyceride levels with medication, and it is also possible to prevent high triglyceride levels with a healthful diet and regular exercise.
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