High Triglycerides
Cause
The most common causes of high triglycerides are obesity and poorly controlled diabetes. If you are overweight and are not active, you may have high triglycerides, especially if you eat a lot of Reference carbohydrate Opens New Window or sugary foods or drink a lot of alcohol. Binge drinking of alcohol can cause dangerous spikes in triglyceride levels that can trigger inflammation of the pancreas (Reference pancreatitis Opens New Window).
Other causes of high triglycerides include Reference hypothyroidism Opens New Window, kidney disease, and certain Reference inherited lipid disorders.
Reference Estrogen replacement therapy Opens New Window, which may be used for menopause symptoms, may also raise triglyceride levels. Certain medicines may also raise triglycerides. These medicines include:
- Reference Tamoxifen.
- Steroids.
- Reference Beta-blockers Opens New Window.
- Reference Diuretics Opens New Window.
- Birth control pills.
High triglycerides rarely occur on their own. They are usually associated with other conditions.
High triglycerides are a part of Reference metabolic syndrome, a group of medical problems that increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome includes:
- High triglycerides.
- Low HDL ("good") cholesterol.
- High blood pressure.
- High blood sugar.
- Too much fat, especially around the waist.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
