Next time your doctor talks to you about your LDL cholesterol, ask about your triglycerides.
Though most people know their LDL and HDL cholesterol numbers, they are unaware that their triglyceride level is important too. Some physicians don't mention it.
Triglycerides are the body's main energy storage molecules and are necessary for life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We get them from foods and store them in fat tissue.
Though triglycerides don't accumulate in the blood as cholesterol does, high levels are associated with an increased heart attack risk, particularly for women.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows that about one-third of individuals studied had triglyceride levels over the recommended 150 mg/dL. A few participants had triglyceride levels in the thousands.
About 6 percent of people with high levels were taking niacin or fibrates, which could lower triglycerides.
What you can do:
Lifestyle changes are known to be more effective than medication.
* Cut calories and lose weight.
* Limit your consumption of sugar and refined foods.
* Substitute monounsaturated fats (like olive oil, canola oil, and nuts) for saturated fats (such as butter, pastry, and fatty meats).
* Limit or avoid alcohol.
* Get some exercise — make it a priority.
Some medications prescribed for high triglycerides have side effects. Cardiologists at Duke University say lifestyle changes that result in weight loss are more effective.