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What Are Normal and High Levels?
The National Cholesterol Education Program sets guidelines for triglyceride levels:
- Normal levels: Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter
- Borderline high:150 to 199
- High: 200 to 499
- Very high: 500 or more
Elevated levels may lead to heart disease, especially in people with low levels of "good" cholesterol and high levels of "bad" cholesterol. The same is true if you have type 2 diabetes.
Experts once debated how important triglycerides are, but it now seems clear that higher levels are linked to problems such as heart disease.
One thing is clear, though: A good diet and exercise plan can lower triglyceride levels, improve cholesterol, and decrease the chance of heart disease.
At-home Treatments
The main way to deal with high triglycerides is to eat better and get more exercise. Here are some guidelines to help you manage your level:
Moderate exercise: Try to exercise 5 or more days each week. Talk to your doctor before you begin any exercise plan.
Watch your weight: If you’re carrying extra pounds, losing 5% to 10% of your weight can lower triglycerides. People with a healthy weight are more likely to have normal levels. Belly fat is associated with higher numbers.
Eat less bad fat: Try to lower the saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol in your diet. Cutting back on carbohydrates will help, too.
Drink less alcohol: Beer, wine, and liquor can raise levels. Some studies show that more than 1 drink a day for women or 2 for men can increase levels by a lot.
Go fish: Mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon are high in omega-3s, a fat that’s good for you. It may be hard to get enough omega-3s from food. Your doctor may recommend a supplement or prescription.
Medicine
For some people, good habits may not be enough. Medication might be needed. The decision for you and your doctor can be complicated because other health conditions are usually involved. Several types of medicine can improve levels. They include:
- Fibrates (Lopid, Fibricor, and Tricor)
- Nicotinic acid (Niaspan)
- High doses of omega-3s are needed to lower triglycerides and should be taken only under a doctor's care. Epanova, Lovaza, and Vascepa are prescription forms of omega-3s.
Your doctor may also prescribe a class of drugs called “statins” that lower cholesterol. Examples include: atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor).
You may feel side effects from these drugs. Be sure to talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist.