What are Triglycerides?
Have you had your annual health exam with bloodwork and are unsure of what triglycerides values mean when you receive the results?
Many physicians will order a lipid test (includes cholesterol & triglyceride) as part of the exam (it’s important to routinely schedule) to check your cardiovascular health (assess if you are at risk for heart disease or stroke).
Here are few facts about triglycerides:
Our bodies can make triglycerides by turning extra calories we eat and don’t immediately use into triglycerides.
We obtain them from certain foods we eat (sugar, sweets, refined breads, pastas, and cereals, & alcohol).
Triglycerides are a storage form of fat in our bodies.
We need some for good health.
Having high triglycerides is called dyslipidemia.
What range does your fasting blood triglyceride level fall?
Normal range: <150 mg/dL
Borderline high: 150 to 199 mg/dL
High: 200 to 499 mg/dL
Very high: 500+ mg/dL
Have you been recently told by your physician you have high triglycerides?
Here are reasons for elevated levels.
•Overweight
•Lack of exercise
•Unhealthy eating habits
•Alcohol consumption
Why is it important to lower my triglyceride level?
According to the National Institute of Health, high levels of triglycerides can increase the risk for heart disease & stroke.
How can I improve my levels?
1. Consume a heart-healthy diet
2. Aim for a healthy weight
3. Be physically activity
4. Get enough sleep
5. Manage stress
If you need help with improving your levels with small, realistic changes. Let’s chat, message me to get started to a healthier YOU!
Photo credit: Media from Unsplash/Ella Olsson