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 âsuch as those found in canola oil, olive oil or liquid margarine â 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.