Overview
Triglycerides are a type of fat formed from glycerol and three fatty acids. They are the main constituents of body fat in humans and are also present in vegetable fats. Triglycerides serve as an important energy source. When calorie intake exceeds the body’s immediate needs, excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells.
When the body requires energy, triglycerides are released into the bloodstream to supply fuel for muscles and other tissues. Triglycerides also play a role in the transport of energy between adipose tissue, liver, and blood. Persistently elevated triglyceride levels in the blood are associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.
Symptoms
High triglyceride levels usually do not cause symptoms in the early stages. Many individuals remain asymptomatic and are diagnosed only during routine blood testing as part of a lipid profile.
Persistently elevated triglycerides can contribute to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Extremely high triglyceride levels may cause acute pancreatitis, which presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
In some cases, turbid or milky serum may be observed during laboratory testing, indicating markedly elevated triglyceride levels.
Causes
Triglyceride levels increase when calorie intake, especially from sugars and fats, exceeds energy expenditure. Excess carbohydrates and fatty foods are converted into triglycerides and released into circulation.
Medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, liver diseases, nephrotic syndrome, and metabolic disorders contribute to elevated triglycerides. Increased levels are also seen in hyperlipidemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, and familial hypertriglyceridemia.
Alcohol consumption significantly raises triglyceride levels. Certain physiological states, such as pregnancy, are associated with increased triglycerides. Some medications, including oral contraceptives, estrogens, thiazide diuretics, and beta blockers, may also elevate triglyceride levels.
Risk Factors
Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are major risk factors for elevated triglycerides. Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and refined sugars increase triglyceride synthesis.
Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance increase the likelihood of hypertriglyceridemia. Genetic factors play an important role, particularly in familial lipid disorders.
Other risk factors include excessive alcohol intake, uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and use of certain medications. Inadequate fasting before testing is a common cause of falsely elevated triglyceride values.
Prevention
Triglyceride levels can be controlled through lifestyle modification. Regular physical activity, such as walking and aerobic exercise, helps reduce triglycerides and improve lipid metabolism.
Dietary measures include reducing intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sugary foods. Choosing healthy fats such as those from nuts, seeds, avocados, and oily fish is beneficial. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids from plant and marine sources helps lower triglyceride levels.
Limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy body weight, and managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism are essential preventive measures. Proper fasting before testing ensures accurate triglyceride measurement.
