Triglycerides are compounds that provide our bodies with energy for metabolism. Triglycerides are the main type of fat in the body. They are also the most common that we eat. Triglycerides are the compounds that develop and are stored as fat in the body. A triglyceride contains three fatty acids, which are broken down in the small intestine in order to be absorbed. They are then combined with cholesterol to provide our bodies with energy. When the body needs energy, the combination of cholesterol and triglycerides are released from where they are stored, liver cells and fat cells.

It is important to keep triglyceride levels normal because elevated triglyceride levels can cause serious health problems. If a person has elevated triglyceride levels, it may be an indicator that there is an underlying condition such as poorly-controlled diabetes, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver or other liver diseases, and hypothyroidism. Other causes of elevated triglyceride levels include certain medications such as beta blockers, diuretics, and contraceptive pills.

A blood test can be used to measure the levels of triglyceride in the blood. Triglycerides are usually measured as part of a routine lipoprotein panel which also measures cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein. The blood test requires patients to fast for eight to twelve hours before the test. This is because the fat levels in the blood are affected by whatever you may have consumed in the last eight to twelve hours. This can create results are appear to be elevated but are actually normal.

Having elevated triglycerides puts a person at risk for serious conditions, such as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can lead to coronary artery disease and stroke. To screen for conditions like this, you must regularly check your triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Normal triglyceride levels in the blood are less than 150 mg/dL; borderline levels are between 150 and 200 mg/dL; high levels of triglycerides are greater than 200 mg/dL; and extremely high triglyceride levels are greater than 500mg/dL. Extremely high triglyceride levels may cause pancreatitis.

If you have high triglyceride levels, it is important to do what you can to get them lower and back to normal levels in order to decrease your risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. While it can be difficult to learn how to control high triglycerides and high cholesterol, it can save your life. This can be done by living a healthier lifestyle which includes eating well balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking and losing weight if necessary. Some people may also need medications to lower triglyceride levels.