High level of fat in the blood that can increase your risk for heart disease
Triglycerides are a type of fat, or lipid, in your blood that stores the energy from food you eat. Hypertriglyceridemia occurs if you have a higher-than-normal amount of triglycerides in your blood. Eating foods that contain extra fat, carbohydrates, or simple sugars can increase your triglyceride level.
If left untreated, hypertriglyceridemia can cause pancreatitis. It also can cause stiffness of your arteries, which can increase your risk for stroke, heart attack or heart disease.
What causes hypertriglyceridemia?
The types of food you consume affect your triglyceride level, and it will be higher after a meal. A high triglyceride level can be the result of:
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Consuming extra calories and saturated fats
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Drinking alcohol
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Lack of exercise
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Side effect of medication
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Sugary and refined foods
Hypertriglyceridemia can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as:
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Genetic conditions
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Obesity
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Liver disease
Tests
Your doctor most likely will diagnose or monitor your hypertriglyceridemia with a blood test.
Treatments
Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia will likely include lifestyle changes, dietary limits and, if necessary, medication.
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Lauren Michelle Abbott, MD
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Sana Tanveer Ahmed, MSPAS PA
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Brian Daniel Baturin, MD
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Herbert Neil Friedman, MD
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MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.