Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists. Triglycerides are the human body's storage form of fat. Blood triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dl are considered high and may also play a role in forming plaque. Being overweight, drinking large amounts of alcohol, having diabetes and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) can cause high blood triglycerides. To reduce elevated triglyceride levels:

• Keep blood glucose levels in a normal range
• Limit sugars, sweets, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Limit your intake of fats and saturated fats

If you would like to find out your HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, ask your health care provider for a lipid profile. A blood lipid profile is a blood test for your total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride level, (LDL-cholesterol is estimated from these numbers).

*Note: You need to fast for 12 hours before a blood lipid profile