health sectionhealth sectionTriglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. Excess amounts are stored in fat cells and released for energy between meals. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk for heart disease. Fortunately, a few simple things can be done to lower triglycerides and improve overall health.
Triglycerides are fat in its chemical form. They are stored in fat cells, released by hormones and burned by the body for energy. High levels are suspected to influence the development of hardening of the arteries and atherosclerosis.
Triglycerides are a waxy substance that makes up the most common kind of fat. When we eat more calories than we need, extra calories change into triglycerides and are stored in fat cells to be used when our bodies need more energy. Triglycerides in the blood are measured in milligrams per deciliter, and normal levels are less than 150 mg/dL. There are many causes for triglyceride levels higher than this, including aging, heredity, eating high fat foods, obesity, medication and several medical conditions.
Controlling triglyceride levels are necessary for optimum heart health. The higher your triglycerides level, the greater your risk for serious conditions such as heart disease or stroke. All calories that are consumed and not immediately used are converted to triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Many of the foods in supermarkets, as well as in restaurants around the United States, are packed with ingredients that will elevate triglyceride levels that eventually may contribute to health problems.
Being told you have high triglycerides is something you don't want to hear. Visions of stroke and heart attack race through your mind. High triglycerides is certainly something to be concerned about and something you will want to begin to lower immediately. Talk with your physician about a diet and exercise program that should be able to reduce your triglyceride numbers.
Medical professionals use many different tests to keep tabs on your health. Many of these tests are done by taking samples of your blood. One thing that can be monitored through a blood test is triglyceride levels. Triglyceride levels vary from person to person, but high triglyceride levels are problematic.
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your bloodstream that your body uses for fuel. At appropriate levels, triglycerides are necessary and healthful. However, when readings are above 150, they can cause health problems. Sometimes triglyceride levels are just the luck of the draw when it comes to heredity, but there are lifestyle factors that can also cause high triglycerides.
