Actor portrayals.
Not an actual patient or healthcare professional.
If you have very high TGs, your doctor may recommend diet and lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication, to lower TGs.
Eating fewer foods with saturated fats like fatty meats, high-fat dairy foods, and desserts can help lower TGs. Instead, you can try incorporating food with healthy fats like nuts, seeds, nut butters, or avocado.
Alcohol can raise your TG levels. It is best to avoid alcohol, or only consume in small amounts. A person who frequently drinks alcohol can reduce their TGs by as much as 80% when they stop drinking. That's the difference between a TG level of 500 mg/dL and a TG level of 100 mg/dL.
Aim for a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Even a small amount of weight loss may lower your TGs.
Exercise offers many health benefits. Getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise can not only help lower your TGs, but may also help you lose weight and lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Some medications can raise your TGs. If that's the case, your doctor may recommend stopping certain medications, if appropriate. It is important to talk to your doctor before making changes to your medications.
Lifestyle changes aren't always enough to lower TGs. Your doctor may recommend supplements or prescribe medications that can help lower TGs like fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), fibrates, niacin, and statins. Ask your doctor if medications are right for you in order to lower your TGs.
Inspired by an actual person living with very high TGs.Once I was diagnosed with very high triglycerides, I decided that I needed to make drastic changes to the way I was living my life.
Actor portrayal. Not an actual patient.
If you have very high TGs (500 mg/dL or above), it’s really important to work with your healthcare team 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.
From primary care physicians to cardiologists, there are many healthcare professionals who can help you manage your TGs.
PCPs are often the first to notice if your TG levels are elevated after a routine blood test. If needed, they can refer you to specialists to look into specific symptoms or treatment options.
Some women turn to their obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) for primary care, especially during pregnancy. Although OB-GYNs are doctors who specialize in women's reproductive health, they can monitor TG levels and refer to specialists when needed.
Cardiologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of people with diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Some focus on the role TGs and other fats play in these diseases.
Endocrinologists diagnose and treat a variety of metabolic conditions, including those related to having very high TGs.
GI doctors specialize in diseases affecting the digestive system, including the pancreas. They can help people with very high TGs with complicated issues, like pancreatitis.
Lipid specialists are experts in fat and metabolic disorders. They may be able to provide other ways of managing very high TGs if treatments have failed before.
RDs will explain dietary requirements to lower TGs and create customized nutrition plans to minimize symptoms. It may be easier to stick with lifestyle changes if you have the support of a registered dietitian, exercise specialist, or counselor.
If you have TGs above 880 mg/dL and have not been responsive to treatment, you may have a genetic condition known as familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) that may call for a different approach to lowering TGs.
