Cardiac Rehabilitation

Triglycerides

11/25/2007 09:08PM

Question:

I am 47 years old I way 187 lbs 5`7" I took a health test at work my triglycerides are @ 274. What can I do too lower them to normal and what is normal at my age?

Answer:

The American Heart Association has set guidelines for triglyceride levels:
Level mg/dL Interpretation:

<150 Normal range, low risk

150-199 Borderline high

200-499 High

>500 Very high, high risk

High triglyceride levels may be due to:

Cirrhosis

Diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates

Familial hyperlipoproteinemia (rare)

Hypothyroidism

Nephrotic syndrome

Pancreatitis

Poorly controlled diabetes

Changes in lifestyle habits are the main therapy for hypertriglyceridemia. These are the changes you need to make:

If you're overweight, cut down on calories to reach your ideal body weight. This includes all sources of calories, from fats, proteins, carbohydrates and alcohol.

Reduce the saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol content of your diet.

Reduce your intake of alcohol considerably. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to large changes in plasma triglyceride levels.

Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most or all days each week.

People with high triglycerides may need to substitute monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats —such as those found in canola oil, olive oil or liquid margarine — for saturated fats. Substituting carbohydrates for fats may raise triglyceride levels and may decrease HDL ("good") cholesterol in some people.

Substitute fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of meats high in saturated fat like hamburger. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

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Response by:

Karen Kutoloski, DO
Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Assistant Professor
Heart and Vascular Center
MetroHealth Medical Center
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University