When To Get Tested
Screening: as part of a lipid profile during a regular medical exam at least once every four to six years for adults for children, at least once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between the ages of 17 and 21
Monitoring: may be done more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease and/or if you are being treated for unhealthy lipid levels
When Is It Ordered
Adults
A lipid profile, which includes triglycerides, is recommended every 4 to 6 years to evaluate risk of heart disease in healthy adults. Children should have a lipid profile screening at least once between the ages of 9 and 11 and once again between the ages of 17 and 21.
Testing may be ordered more frequently when people have identified risk factors for heart disease. Some risk factors for heart disease include:
- Cigarette smoking
- Acceptable: Less than 90 mg/dL
- Borderline high: 90-129 mg/dL
- High: Greater than 130 mg/dL
For young adults older than 19
- Acceptable: Less than 115 mg/dL
- Borderline high: 115-149 mg/dL
- High: Greater than 150 mg/dL
Note: These values are based on fasting triglyceride levels.
When triglycerides are very high ), there is a risk of developing pancreatitis in children and adults. Treatment to lower triglycerides should be started as soon as possible.
Why Do Vegans Have High Triglycerides
Cardiovascular diseases are a risk for anyone with certain blood pressure levels and obesity, but what about for those who follow a vegan lifestyle? Numerous studies have shed some light on Lacto-ovo vegetarians, and nonvegetarians, but not a lot of information has been given about vegans historically.
With many people switching to a vegan lifestyle for health reasons, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and heart diseases, it begs the question why do vegans have high triglycerides?
The truth is that not all vegans have high triglycerides, but were going to take a look at the reason why a vegan diet may increase cholesterol levels.
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Working Out Your Tg To Hdl Ratio
Note: as we discussed on a recent episode of the podcast, TG:HDL ratio has very little meaning for the Black community because African Americans are much less likely to have elevated TG, even in the presence of insulin resistance.
If youve just undergone a fasting lipid panel, you might see results for TG:HDL listed alongside total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. If not, you can work out your TG:HDL ratio for yourself. All you have to do is divide the triglyceride count by the HDL count. So, if your TG is 120 mg/dL and your HDL is 60 mg/dL, your TG:HDL ratio is 2.00. As another example, a TG level of 150 mg/dL and HDL of 50 mg/dL gives a TG:HDL of 3.00.
Top tip: Numerical values for TGs and HDL-C are often given in mg/dL and mmol/L. To convert mg/dL to mmol/L, divide the values for HDL-C, by 38.6 for triglycerides, divide by 88.6.
Saturated And Trans Fats
Saturated fats, found in red meats and whole-fat dairy products, and trans fats, found in deep-fried foods and many store-bought snacks, can raise triglyceride levels. The American Heart Association recommends replacing saturated and trans fats with omega-3 fatty acids, which won’t raise triglyceride levels. Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, are high in these healthy fats, and walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds and soybeans also contain some omega-3s. Another reason to avoid red meat and whole-fat dairy products: They’re high in cholesterol, which also raises triglyceride levels.
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What Causes Levels To Fluctuate
Triglyceride levels fluctuate naturally in response to many factors, including calorie intake and time of day. Eating a meal can cause an increase in triglycerides, which the body may store to use later when it needs energy.
These fluctuations are typically short-lived, but they are part of the reason why doctors may ask a person to fast before getting a lipid profile blood test.
Some health conditions may increase the risk of higher triglyceride levels. According to the
- hormone medications
- immunosuppressant drugs
Anyone who is uncertain about the side effects of their specific medication should speak with their doctor.
A person can use a few treatments to help lower their triglyceride levels.
Should You Worry About High Triglycerides
These blood fats can be one of the signs of metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk for having a heart attack or stroke.
Until recently, triglycerides tended to get less attention when looking at cardiovascular risk compared to LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. There’s no question that extremely high levels spell trouble and can lead to acute pancreatitis. But what about treating lower levels of triglycerides? Recent evidence suggests you should work to reduce triglyceride levels of they are higher than normal, especially if you have heart disease or have other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or smoking.
Triglyceride levels |
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*All values in milligrams per deciliter |
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High Triglycerides On Keto/lchf
Triglycerides are effectively fat-based energy. And if youre on a low carb, high fat diet , you are likely eating them every day, along with storing them as such in your own fat cells. The tri is for the three fatty acids grouped in each one to a glycerol backbone.
So a common question I get is, Hey, if were powered by triglycerides on LCHF/Keto then why do my blood tests show my triglycerides have gone down since I started?
Simple your usage has gone up. Way up! And thats a good thing!
Generally speaking, you want to aim for having your triglycerides below 150 mg/dL at a minimum, and preferably below 100 mg/dL for optimum health. I consider this universal, by the way. It doesnt matter if youre on a LCHF/Keto, Vegan, Paleo, Mediterranean, or Bobs Special Custom Juice and Burger Diet. If you have high triglycerides, it suggests a problem and certainly a problem I pay attention to more than any other marker.
Simple Carbohydrates And Sugar
A poor diet is by far the most common cause of high triglyceride levels, says Freeman. I consider high triglycerides as a marker that someone may not be eating as well as they should, he says. Excess calories and sugar are turned into triglycerides before being stored as fat, notes Cleveland Clinic.
A study published in May 2019 in the journal The BMJ found that consuming more than four servings of ultraprocessed foods per day increased the risk of mortality from all causes by 62 percent. These foods, which includes refined grains and added sugar, will also raise triglycerides, he says. Freeman advises his patients on how to transition to a low-fat, whole-foods, plant-based diet.
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How To Prepare For The Test
You should not eat for 8 to 12 hours before the test.
Alcohol and some medicines can interfere with blood test results.
- Make sure your health care provider knows what medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Your provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test.
- DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first.
Diets High In Calories Carbs And Fats
Triglyceride levels increase with a positive energy-intake balance . In other words, when you eat more than your body needs, the surplus is transformed into fat, including triglycerides. Its easier to overeat when your diet is high in calories and contains lots of carbs and saturated fats .
Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets are among the most common causes of high triglycerides. But wait we said that high-fat diets are bad, so doesnt that mean a low-fat diet should be beneficial? Not quite .
Saturated, unhealthy fats are bad. But your body needs healthy fats such as those found in olive oil and fish oil to keep your triglyceride levels normal and to maintain your overall health. If you dont get enough dietary fats, your body will revert to transforming the sugars you consume into fats .
This goes against the popular but unfounded belief that your body wont store fat as long as you dont eat fats. In truth, high-carbohydrate diets can be much worse than high-fat diets for your triglyceride levels. Many scientists advocate that high-carb, low-fat diets likely also contributed to the obesity epidemic in America over the past few decades .
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What Are Risk Factors For High Triglycerides
Factors that may raise triglyceride levels include:
- Excessive alcohol use.
- American Academy of Family Physicians. High Cholesterol. Accessed 11/182/2021.
- American Heart Association. Cholesterol. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting Your Cholesterol Checked. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- Hormone Health Network. Triglycerides. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- MedlinePlus. Triglycerides Test. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- Merck Manual Consumer Version. Overview of Cholesterol and Lipid Fats. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. High Blood Triglycerides. Accessed 11/18/2021.
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How Can I Lower My Triglyceride Level
You may be able to lower your triglycerides with a combination of losing weight, diet and exercise.
- Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as foods containing sugar or made with white flour. Eat more whole-grains, such as oats, brown rice and multi-grain bread.
- Reduce alcohol intake drink less than the recommended amount of alcohol per week. These guidelines are usually too high for people with high triglycerides. If you have triglyceride levels over 5mmol/L you should avoid alcohol completely.
- Eat less fat and choose healthy fats
- cut back on saturated fat and trans fats
- eat more fish omega-3 fats in salmon, tuna, sardines, and other fatty fish can lower triglycerides. Having fish twice a week is fine.
See our Healthy Living section for more ideas to help you get started.
You also may need to take medication to lower your triglycerides. Your doctor may start you on a statin, or a fibrate . Your doctor will let you know if you need to take medication.
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What Causes Elevated Levels
It’s common to have high triglyceride levels if you have type 2 diabetes. When they are above the normal range, your provider might tell you that your triglyceride levels are elevated. Up to 70% of people with diabetes also have elevated triglyceride levels.
This article will go over how triglyceride levels are related to diabetes. You’ll also learn how to lower your triglyceride levels if they’re too high.
Medications May Be Needed For High Triglyceride Levels
Sometimes, healthy eating and regular exercise cant lower high triglyceride levels. This may be the case, for example, if you have familial hypertriglyceridemia or if you already have heart disease. Your doctor may prescribe medication such as fibrates or nicotinic acids. Drugs to help lower high blood cholesterol may also be prescribed, if necessary.Suggestions for managing high triglyceride levels with medication include:
- Always take prescription medications exactly as instructed.
- See your doctor if you are having side effects from the medication. Known medication side effects may include indigestion, diarrhoea, fever or muscle problems.
- Dont assume that medications will somehow overcome the hazards of an unhealthy lifestyle. A healthy diet, regular exercise and maintaining an appropriate weight for your height are the most important management strategies for high triglycerides.
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What Foods To Avoid If Your Triglycerides Are High
- Starchy Veggies. 1/12. Some vegetables are better than others when you’re watching your triglycerides. …
- Baked Beans With Sugar or Pork Added. 2/12. …
- Too Much of a Good Thing. 3/12. …
- Alcohol. 4/12. …
- Canned Fish Packed in Oil. 5/12. …
- Coconut. 6/12. …
Dangers Of Low Triglycerides
Low triglyceride levels are generally not dangerous. In fact, research supports the idea that low triglyceride levels can offer certain health benefits.
In one 2014 study, researchers found that lower non-fasting triglyceride levels were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality in almost 14,000 study participants.
Another smaller 2017 study found that low triglyceride levels were linked to improved brain function in older adults without dementia.
However, incredibly low triglyceride levels may be linked to other conditions, as mentioned above. Some of these conditions in and of themselves may be dangerous, so it becomes important to treat the underlying condition thats causing low triglycerides.
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Do Vegans Have Cholesterol Issues
In short, yes. Even though vegans do not have to worry about the cholesterol found in animal products, other sources can increase cholesterol labels. Some are dietary and others are non-dietary.
These can include what we eat, but also age, genes, lifestyle, and family background.
Vegans have more access to foods high in saturated fat, increasing triglyceride levels. These include coconut and palm oils that are found in vegan alternatives, especially convenience foods and faux cheese. These foods add salt, and sugar levels despite claiming to be healthier.
When looking into heart health, there is also the matter of vitamin B12. This nutrient is important because low levels can result in high homocysteine labels. This has links to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Because vitamin B12 is a common deficiency in the vegan diet, it is important to supplement it and consume foods fortified with B12 to make up for the deficit. The daily recommended dosage is around 2.4 mcg. However, this is the recommended absorbed amount, so higher levels may be required.
Causes Of High Cholesterol
Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can be caused by several factors, including heredity conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia. More commonly, elevated cholesterol levels are related to poor diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, age, smoking, and gender .
Several medical conditions, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver disease, and chronic kidney failure can also increase cholesterol levels. Some drugs, especially steroids and progesterone, can do the same.
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Controlling High Triglycerides: Medical Treatment
People with heart disease and high triglycerides may need medication to bring down their levels.
- Fibrates can lower triglycerides. They modestly improve cholesterol levels, too.
- Fish oilwith omega-3 fatty acids can help keep triglycerides under control. Ask your doctor whether you should use prescription fish oil. Omega-3 acids from plant sources like flaxseed may help.
- Niacin can lower triglycerides by up to 50%. It’s available as a non-prescription supplement and as a prescription drug.
Remember that to stay healthy and keep your triglycerides down, you still have to focus on improving your lifestyle.
When you talk to your doctor, discuss all of the medicines, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some common drugs — like beta-blockers, birth control pills, and diuretics — can cause high triglycerides as a side effect. It’s possible that one of them could be causing your problem.
When To Contact A Doctor
While high triglyceride levels may not usually cause symptoms, anyone who is uncertain or concerned about their triglyceride levels should consult a doctor.
Additionally, any adult who has not had a lipid profile test in the last 46 years should speak with a doctor about their cardiovascular risk factors and possible need for a test. Catching elevated levels of health markers, such as triglycerides or cholesterol, at an early stage may help a person make changes earlier to address the underlying issue.
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- Arnett, D. K., et al. . 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on clinical practice guidelines.
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Factors Leading To High Levels Of Triglycerides & Cholesterol
There are several factors that can cause high triglycerides or increase a persons risk of developing high triglycerides. These include:
- Frequently eating more calories than ones body uses
- Being obese or overweight
Hyperlipidemia is a term for elevated blood levels of fats. It includes increased cholesterol and/or triglycerides. One concerning element of hyperlipidemia is that many times this condition is asymptomatic, meaning that there are often no signs to the individual that anything is wrong. However, behind the scenes, hyperlipidemia can significantly increase a persons risk of developing coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease, which can then prompt a heart attack, stroke, and/or other problems. This is why there are guidelines of when individuals should be screened for hyperlipidemia, which is done through blood tests.
Alcohol Can Raise Tg Levels
Thats right, even though splashy news headlines like to say that a glass of wine a day can boost HDL levels, the sugar in booze can also raise your TG levels. So, sure, go ahead and enjoy that glass of wine, just dont raise so many glasses that you also raise your triglycerides.
Note: when we asked world renowned lipidologist Dr. Dayspring about alcohol and TG levels, he didnt believe alcohol plays a big role in most people.
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