Understanding Triglyceride Levels

Friday, May 24, 2002

ROCHESTER, MINN. — If you have high triglyceride levels but your cholesterol levels are normal, you may think you're in the clear. You might be surprised when your doctor hands you a laundry list of lifestyle changes to correct those triglyceride levels. According to the June issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, recent research shows that high triglycerides alone can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Last year, the National Cholesterol Education Program issued new guidelines for cholesterol management, and they cited high triglyceride levels as a special concern requiring increased attention. Along with increased cardiovascular risk, high triglyceride levels are associated with insulin resistance, a major factor in type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. High triglycerides also increase the risk of pancreatitis — an inflammation of the pancreas.

Women's cardiovascular health seems to be more influenced by triglyceride levels than men's. Levels higher than 190 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) increase a woman's cardiovascular disease risk, while men don't see the same increased risk until triglycerides reach 400 mg/dL.

It is especially important for women with high triglyceride levels to take action to reduce those levels. You can lower triglyceride levels by losing weight and reducing carbohydrate and alcohol intake. Reducing carbohydrates in the form of sugary foods and drinks can result in large triglyceride decreases for some people. Losing weight and increasing your activity level also increase your body's sensitivity to insulin — a hormone that is effective in reducing triglyceride levels.

Other triglyceride-reducing techniques include eating fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids instead of meats that are high in cholesterol. The use of oral estrogen can increase triglycerides 20 to 25 percent. Some people may be able to use estrogen patches to bypass this effect.

If you test high on a triglyceride test, work with your doctor to develop the most effective triglyceride-reduction strategy.

Shelly Plutowski 507-284-5005 (days) 507-284-2511 (evenings) e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-351-8963, extension 9PK1.

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