Triglycerides are the form in which most fat exists in food and the body. A high triglyceride level has been linked to higher risk of coronary artery disease. Here’s the breakdown.
| Triglycerides | Triglyceride Category |
| Less than 150 | Normal |
| 150 – 199 | Mildly High |
| 200 – 499 | High |
| 500 or higher | Very high |
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fats exist – in foods, as well as in our bodies.
Normal triglyceride levels vary by age and sex. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) cholesterol level and a low HDL (good) cholesterol level. Many people with heart disease or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels.
Several factors can contribute to an elevated triglyceride level, including:
- Being overweight, or obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Cigarette smoking
- Excess alcohol consumption
- A diet very high in carbohydrates (more than 60 percent of total calories)
- These factors can be addressed with lifestyle changes. Underlying diseases or genetic disorders can also cause high triglyceride levels.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-numbers#2