What Is the Meaning of High Triglyceride Levels

High-fat foods increase triglyceride levels.

High-fat foods increase triglyceride levels.

Triglycerides are fats in your blood that the body uses for energy. A normal triglyceride level is 150 milligrams per deciliter or less, and this number increases rapidly if you consume large amounts of fatty foods. Your body retains excess triglycerides and stores them in your fat cells. The accumulation of fat in your blood may lead to the development of serious medical conditions.

Causes and Effects of High Triglycerides

Poor eating habits are the primary cause of high triglycerides. Eating excessive amounts of fatty foods and too many refined carbohydrates, including fast foods, dairy products and processed snacks, will boost your triglyceride levels. High triglycerides may contribute to obesity, underactive thyroid, kidney disease, diabetes, heart attack, stroke and other ailments. When there is too much fat in your blood, the arteries that supply blood, nutrients and oxygen to your brain, heart, kidneys, pancreas and other organs may become blocked. Blockage prevents your organs from functioning normally, contributing to the development of disease.

Heart Attack and Stroke

When arteries become blocked, cells, muscles and tissues begin to die due to the lack of oxygen -- a process called necrosis. A painful spasm, or a crushing chest pain, is a sign that the heart's arteries are almost closed. If a patient doesn't receive medical attention immediately, necrosis will likely result. When brain arteries and blood vessels close, brain necrosis develops as the brain's cells rupture and hemorrhage. Having high triglyceride levels is a primary contributor to the onset of heart attacks and strokes.

Atherosclerosis and Hypertension

High triglycerides also contribute to atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the artery walls. Excess plaque hardens arteries and blood vessels, causing them to lose their elasticity. When arteries and blood vessels cannot contract and expand, more pressure is put on the blood passing through them. Hypertension -- high blood pressure -- will eventually develop, which reduces blood flow to the heart and increases the risk of a heart attack. Keeping your triglyceride levels low by avoiding fat-laden foods is one way to prevent atherosclerosis.

Controlling Triglyceride Levels

Triglyceride levels are best controlled through diet and exercise. By maintaining a healthy weight, limiting processed foods and engaging in physical activities, you can decrease your triglyceride levels within a relatively short time period. Excessive smoking can also cause high triglyceride levels because it contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. Avoid smoking and foods that are high in trans fats. Exercise often and eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, walnuts and pumpkin seeds; these foods help to lower triglycerides.

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