Although they represent a considerable source of energy, too high a level of triglycerides can lead to serious health consequences.
L’hypertriglyceridemia is a biological abnormality which is characterized by a excess triglycerides in the blood. Their presence is most often linked to diet and more specifically to three types of food: sugars, fats and alcohol. There standard is around 1 g/l on an empty stomach. We consider that triglycerides are too high when their rate rises to more than 2 g/L fasting (mild hypertriglyceridemia). We speak of moderate hypertriglyceridemia for a level included between 4 g/L and 10 g. Beyond 10 g/l on an empty stomach, It’s about a major hypertriglyceridemia.
What are the symptoms of having too much triglycerides?
Hypertriglyceridemia is usually asymptomatic. Most often, it is detected incidentally during the exploration of a lipid abnormality. When excess triglycerides are significant, it can cause:
Measures to lower triglycerides
Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia is based on observing hygienic and dietary measures. The principle ?
- Reduce fat (butter, cold meats, beef)
- Stop drinking alcoholic beverages
- Reduce fast sugars (jams, honey, white bread, fruit juice, sweets, cakes, etc.)
- Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables
“After three days, triglycerides begin to drop. Varying your diet is just as important as eating healthily. This diet must be maintained over the long term“, specifies the endocrinologist.
Dangers: too many triglycerides bad for the pancreas
“We know that excess triglycerides are associated with marked increase in the risk of developing acute pancreatitis, sometimes very severe disease which can lead to destruction of the pancreas and reaching vital prognosis“, develops Dr Olivier Dupuy. On the other hand “the link between hypertriglyceridemia and increased risk of cardiovascular disease is extremely difficult to establish, although strongly suspected, it has not been scientifically proven”
Is this a sign of cancer?
Excess triglycerides in the blood is not associated with the existence or detection of cancer.
What are the causes of excess triglycerides?
An excess of triglycerides is mainly linked to a diet too rich in sugars and fats. Taking some drugs (diuretics, corticosteroids and beta-blockers) can also cause an increase in triglycerides in the blood. There contraceptive pill can also be responsible for moderate hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertriglyceridemia is often found in certain chronic diseasesand more particularly in diabetes and obesity.
Thanks to Dr Olivier Dupuy, Head of the endocrinology, diabetology and nutrition department at Paris Saint-Joseph hospital.