Causes of High Triglycerides and Their Effects

Elevated triglyceride levels are typical following high-fat meals. Lowering

triglycerides is part of the body's normal response that results in a cyclical pattern of
high - low - high - low. Elevated triglycerides are often associated with increased
levels of LDL. For some individuals, elevated levels may pose a risk for heart
problems.

Genetic Causes

While the vast majority of causes of high triglycerides and blood cholesterol are not
genetic, some cases may be due to a genetic disorder affecting liver function.
Individuals who are diagnosed with particularly high levels of either of these fats
should encourage genetically related family members to undergo testing for liver
dysfunction. Of those individuals with high levels of these fats, an estimated one out
of 500 has a genetic basis for their condition.

Acquired Causes

Most of the causes of elevated triglycerides are acquired and include: a diet high in
fat or carbohydrates (sugar), excessive habitual alcohol consumption, exogenous
estrogens, poorly controlled diabetes, and the use of beta blocker drugs or
corticosteroids. Women and diabetics are particularly at risk.

Recent research suggests that a high carbohydrate diet, which raises blood sugar
and insulin levels, results in greater production and storage of fat. This, in turn,
promotes high triglycerides, which may indicate that LDL levels are too high, that
HDL levels are too low, or that the HDL/LDL ratio ('good' to 'bad' cholesterol) is lower
than normal.

Effects

Research points to a possible correlation between elevated triglycerides and high

blood pressure. Excess amounts of this fat increase the concentration of VLDL, which
may contribute to plaque deposits, increased blood pressure, and heart problems.
Lowering triglycerides is a step you can take to reduce the risk of both heart attack
(coronary thrombosis) and atherosclerosis.

If prolonged, elevated triglycerides may also result in pancreatitis—a condition that

can cause malabsorption of nutrients, and could lead to diabetes. As pancreatitis
progresses, damage can spread to other organs including the heart, lungs, and
kidneys. Clearly, in addition to treating high cholesterol, lowering triglycerides is
essential.