Actor portrayal; not an actual person with very high triglycerides.
Triglycerides are a type of fat your body uses to store energy. Another type of fat is cholesterol, which the body uses to build cells and make hormones.
Triglycerides come from the food we eat and are also made within the body itself.
Triglycerides travel in the bloodstream to provide energy throughout the body.
Inspired by an actual person living with very high triglycerides."I wouldn't even know I had very high triglycerides if I hadn't seen the number."
Doctors measure triglycerides and other fats, like cholesterol, through a blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile.
Actor portrayal; not an actual person with very high triglycerides.
Scroll to see what a normal triglyceride level is and how your health can be impacted if your level gets too high.
Below 150 mg/dL is considered to be a healthy range for triglycerides in the blood.
150-499 mg/dL is considered elevated or high.
Having high triglycerides can raise your risk of heart disease and can contribute to conditions such as fatty liver disease.
500-879 mg/dL is considered very high. Your doctor may refer to it as severe hypertriglyceridemia.
Having very high triglycerides can greatly increase your risk of pancreatitis and heart disease and can contribute to conditions like fatty liver disease.
880 mg/dL or higher is considered extremely high.
Triglycerides that are 880 mg/dL or higher can seriously increase your risk for pancreatitis. This level can also be related to a rare genetic condition called familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) that can cause triglycerides to be 10 to 100 times above typical levels.
Very high triglycerides don’t just raise your risk for serious health problems. They can also affect how you feel every day.
Some people with very high triglycerides don't notice any symptoms. But not having symptoms doesn't mean everything is fine. Others may experience:
Anxiety
Brain fog
Stomach pain
Fatigue
Difficulty remembering things
Difficulty thinking
Depression
Difficulty paying attention
Diarrhea
Inspired by an actual person living with very high triglycerides."I want to be at my best for everyone, including myself."
Actor portrayal; not an
actual person with very high triglycerides.
If you have very high triglycerides (500 mg/dL or above), it’s really important to work with your doctor to make a plan. Bring this guide to your next appointment to help you ask the right questions and make the most of your conversation.
Very high triglycerides are typically caused by a combination of many factors and differ from person to person. Finding what's behind your very high triglycerides can help you and your healthcare team better manage your triglyceride levels with appropriate lifestyle changes and medications.
Very high triglycerides can be caused by:
Some health conditions that can affect triglyceride levels:
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Common medications that may raise your triglycerides:
For some people, genetics may partly explain why they have extremely high triglycerides. Some genetic causes for extremely high triglycerides include:
Even if extremely high triglycerides are caused by genetics, eating healthy, being active, and taking prescribed medications are still important for managing triglycerides.
FCS is a rare genetic condition that can cause triglycerides to be above 880 mg/dL, and can be 10 to 100 times the normal levels.
Find out how you and your doctor can work together to manage your triglycerides and improve your overall health.
