Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. This brochure describes where triglycerides come from, how they can increase your risk of heart disease, and things you can do to manage high triglycerides.
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What You Need to Know About Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat
They are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from foods like butter, oils, and other fats you eat.
Triglycerides also come from extra calories. These are the calories that you eat, but your body does not need right away. Your body changes these extra calories into triglycerides, and stores them in fat cells. When your body needs energy, it releases the triglycerides.
High triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease, such as coronary artery disease
Factors that can raise your triglyceride level
Understand your triglyceride level
Levels above 150 mg/dL may raise your risk of heart disease.
Things you can do to manage high triglycerides
Some people may need cholesterol medicines to manage their triglycerides.
Always talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Ask your doctor before starting any treatments or making changes in your routine or medicine.
Source: National Institutes of Health; U.S. National Library of Medicine; MedlinePlus; Triglycerides.