- Triglycerides are fats that are initially stored in the body's cells. Many people confuse triglycerides with cholesterol because they are both fats that can be found in the bloodstream. Neither can dissolve in blood, so they circulate throughout the body. Cholesterol, however, builds cells, whereas triglycerides act as an energy source. They are both necessary for good health, but they can also cause problems if their levels are too high.
- Triglycerides are beneficial as a fuel source for the body, storing excess energy until it is needed. According to the Mayo Clinic, between meals, hormones cause triglycerides to be released into the bloodstream when the body needs energy. If you consistently eat food containing more calories than you burn, your triglyceride level can become too high because you have no need for the energy and the fat is not burned.
- Triglyceride levels can provide a warning of an underlying disease. The Mayo Clinic says that high triglyceride levels can signal the presence of hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease or type 2 diabetes. They can even be a sign of a rare genetic condition in which the body cannot properly convert fat to energy. If you have a high triglyceride level, your doctor can screen you for other illnesses that might be related.
- High triglyceride levels can serve as a warning of other risk factors for potential health problems such as atherosclerosis and hardening of the arteries. These conditions can make a person more likely to develop heart disease or suffer a heart attack or stroke. If you have a high triglyceride level, your doctor will be alerted to look for other risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, allowing you to create a plan to minimize those conditions.
- Trigylceride levels can be beneficial as effective motivation for healthy lifestyle choices. A high triglyceride level is a signal that you need to make some changes. The Mayo Clinic says that your level can be lowered by losing weight, consuming fewer calories, maintaining a healthier diet, avoiding alcohol and eating healthier fats. Regular exercise can also contribute to maintaining a normal triglyceride level. In addition, these changes can also benefit cardiac health.
