TRIGLYCERIDES:WHAT ARE THEY? WHAT CAN YOU DO TO LOWER TRIGLYCERIDES?

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Your body uses them for energy.
You need some triglycerides for good health. But high triglycerides might raise your risk of  heart disease and may be a sign of metabolic syndrome which
is the combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, too much fat around the waist, low HDL ("good") cholesterol, and high triglycerides. Metabolic syndrome increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
A lab test that measures your cholesterol also measures your triglycerides. Triglycerides  levels are listed below:

• Normal is < 150
• Borderline-high is 150 to 199.
• High is 200 to 499.
• Very high is 500 or higher.

What causes high triglycerides?

High triglycerides are usually caused by other conditions, such as:

• Obesity
• Poorly controlled diabetes.
• An under active thyroid (hypothyroidism).
• Kidney disease.
• Regularly eating more calories than you burn.
• Drinking a lot of alcohol.

Medicines may also raise triglycerides. These medicines include:

• Steroids
• Beta blockers
• Diuretics
• Estrogen
• Birth control pills 
• Tamoxifen

What are the symptoms?

High triglycerides usually don't cause symptoms.
But if your high triglycerides are caused by a genetic condition, you may see fatty deposits under your skin called xanthomas (pronounced zan-THOH-muhs).

How can you lower your high triglycerides?

Talk to your doctor about diet and lifestyle changes to help reduce high levels of triglycerides.

• Lose weight and stay at a healthy weight.
• Limit fats and sugars in your diet.
• Be more active.
• Stop smoking
• Limit alcohol.

Speak with your healthcare provider concerning medications to help lower your triglycerides.