Having high levels of triglycerides in the body is unsafe and can cause multiple complications. Some of these complications include heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Having high triglyceride levels goes hand in hand with having high cholesterol levels, which is bad not only for heart health, but for the body’s overall health as well. When a person has high levels of triglycerides in the body, they usually do not exhibit any symptoms. This can make it difficult to tell if triglycerides are affecting the body. A person should be getting regular blood tests to ensure that the triglycerides in their body are at a healthy level. If they are too high, it is time to start thinking about treatment options. There are many lifestyle changes a person can make, as well as medications that they can take. Doctors will know what the right type of treatment will be for their patients specific triglyceride levels.
Analyzing Preexisting Conditions:
One of the first things a doctor will do is ask if their patient has any preexisting conditions that could be causing the high levels of triglycerides. Doctors will also look at the medications that a person is taking to see if they may be contributing to elevated levels of triglycerides. Some preexisting conditions that could be causing high triglycerides are: poorly controlled diabetes, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism, which is a condition when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Some medications that can cause higher levels of triglycerides are: diuretics, birth control pills, steroids, beta-blockers, and tamoxifen, which is a breast cancer medication. Doctors will put patients on medications to control their preexisting conditions to help treat triglyceride levels. They may also adjust or stop certain medications that could be raising those levels as a treatment option.
Healthier Lifestyle Choices & Medication:
People who make healthier choices and make lifestyle changes will usually see a reduction of the triglycerides in their body. In some cases, those treatment options are not enough to lower the triglycerides. There are certain medications that can be prescribed in order to help with treatment if lifestyle changes alone do not work. One type of medication that can help are fibrates. Some of these fibrtae medications are called Lopis, TriCor, and Fenoglide. These medications help people who have triglyceride levels that are over 500 mg/dL. Statins are another type of medication that can help lower triglycerides. These types of medications are usually prescribed when cholesterol levels are high. When cholesterol is high, it usually means that triglycerides are high as well. Some of these medications include Lipitor and Zocor and will help with both triglycerides and cholesterol. One last medication that is prescribed for people with triglyceride levels over 500 mg/dL is called Niacn. It will lower the triglycerides and the bad cholesterol in the body. It is important not to take this medication over-the-counter, as it can interact with other medications and cause dangerous side-effects.
Diet and Exercise:
Keeping a healthy diet and exercising regularly is an essential treatment option if high triglycerides are a problem. Thirty minutes of exercise a day can lower triglycerides and boost good cholesterol in the body. Even just 30 minutes can make a significant improvement in triglyceride levels. Making better food choices will help as well. Keeping sugary and refined foods out of a diet will decrease triglycerides. This is because foods that are sugary and made with white flour have been proven to elevate triglyceride levels.
Monitoring Levels:
Monitoring triglyceride levels is one of the most important things to do to ensure they do not get out of control. When levels get too high, lifestyle changes can help lower them naturally. Medication can be used in severe cases, but they must be prescribed by a doctor. People should keep in contact with their doctor about preexisting conditions and medications they are taking so doctors can keep an eye on triglyceride levels so they can treat it before it gets out of hand.
