High Triglyceride Levels

High triglyceride levels are determined through a blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile. This test may also be referred to as a cholesterol check. Triglycerides are not the same thing as cholesterol but they are similar in that they are both what is called a 'blood lipid'.

Here are the possible ranges that your triglycerides will fall into:

· Optimal- Below 100 mg/dl

· Normal - Less than 150 mg/dl

· Borderline high - 150 to 199 mg/dl

· High - 200 to 499 mg/dl

· Very high - 500 mg/dl

As you can see, a normal triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dl but an optimal level is less than 100. Anything 200 and above would be considered high and treatment is needed, whether that is through diet changes, lifestyle changes or with medication. If you have high triglycerides, you have 'hypertriglyceridemia', which is simply doctor-speak for high triglycerides.

What about borderline high levels?Should they be treated? Triglyceride levels that are in the borderline high level should be reduced to the optimal range, or at least the normal range. The latest research is showing that excessive triglycerides are very dangerous. A borderline-high level should give you a warning that something is leading to a high level of triglycerides and you need to make some changes to head it off.

Common Causes

The most common cause of an abnormal triglyceride level is diet. A low protein, high fat and high sugar diet can lead to an increase in your triglycerides. Excessive alcohol consumption is another fairly common cause. And it doesn't take much to be considered excessive! More than one beer a day or more than one ounce of hard liquor a day is enough to raise your triglyceride levels. An inactive lifestyle can cause your triglyceride levels to be high. Stress is yet another cause.

Diseases that Raise Triglyceride Levels

There are some diseases that can influence your triglyceride level and cause it to be high. These are:

Cirrhosis of the liverLow thyroid or hypothyroidismPancreatitisDiabetes that is poorly controlledKidney Disease

Genetic Cause of Hypertriglyceridemia

Familial Hypertriglyceridemia is a genetic disorder that runs in families and causes high triglyceride levels. Familial hypertriglyceridemia occurs in about 1 in 500 people in the U.S. The cholesterol levels of people with this disorder are usually in the normal range. But there will probably be a family history of early heart disease. Usually, familial hypertriglyceridemia isn't discovered until puberty or young adulthood. And, frequently, obesity, high blood sugars and high insulin levels are also found at the time.

What are the Symptoms of High Triglycerides?

Unfortunately, there are almost no symptoms of high triglycerides until the level is so high it can cause serious damage, even comas. One symptom that may be present is a fatty lumps under the skin. These are called "xanthomas". This symptom is found in familial hypertriglyceridemia.

Triglycerides and Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is basically a group of symptoms or health issues, which together can cause you some serious problems. High triglycerides are present in metabolic syndrome. Other health problems in metabolic syndrome include:

fat waisthigh blood pressurehigh blood sugarlow HDL (the 'good') cholesterol

Together, all of these will put you at a high risk for diabetes, strokes and heart attacks. So, if you are dealing with triglyceride problems, in order to be as healthy as you can be, you need to work on reducing your levels as quickly as possible.

The range of high triglyceride levels has changed recently. Knowing what is normal and what are the high ranges of triglycerides is important for your overall health and that information is freely available at http://www.high-triglycerides.org/high-triglyceride-levels/.

Sheila M is registered nurse with a passion for helping others achieve their best in health and wellness. Sheila's modus operandi is providing helpful and reliable information written in layman's terms and making it freely available on the web. Check out her website http://www.high-triglycerides.org/ for more information on the importance of maintaining a healthy triglyceride level.

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