Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Triglycerides

12/21/2007

Question:

I am 47 years old I way 187 lbs 5`7″ I took a health test at work my triglycerides are at 274. What can I do too lower them to normal and what is normal at my age?

Answer:

The American Heart Association has set guidelines for triglyceride levels:

Level mg/dL Interpretation:

  • <150 Normal range, low risk
  • 150-199 Borderline high
  • 200-499 High
  • >500 Very high, high risk

High triglyceride levels may be due to:

  • Cirrhosis
  • Diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates
  • Familial hyperlipoproteinemia (rare)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Pancreatitis
  • Poorly controlled diabetes

Changes in lifestyle habits are the main therapy for hypertriglyceridemia. These are the changes you need to make:

  • If you’re overweight, cut down on calories to reach your ideal body weight. This includes all sources of calories, from fats, proteins, carbohydrates and alcohol.
  • Reduce the saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol content of your diet.
  • Reduce your intake of alcohol considerably. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to large changes in plasma triglyceride levels.
  • Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most or all days each week.
  • People with high triglycerides may need to substitute monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats —such as those found in canola oil, olive oil or liquid margarine — for saturated fats. Substituting carbohydrates for fats may raise triglyceride levels and may decrease HDL (“good”) cholesterol in some people.
  • Substitute fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of meats high in saturated fat like hamburger. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

For more information:

Go to the Cardiac Rehabilitation health topic.