Triglycerides High (Hypertriglyceridemia): Risks, Causes, and How to Lower Them

High triglycerides (TG) are common and searchable as “triglycerides 300”, “how to lower TG fast”. Very high levels increase risk for pancreatitis. Secondary causes are frequent and fixable.

Common causes

• Poorly controlled diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome.
• Alcohol excess, high refined carbohydrates/sugary beverages.
• Hypothyroidism, kidney disease, pregnancy; medications (retinoids, steroids, beta-blockers, HIV meds).
• Familial hypertriglyceridemia (genetic) when levels are very high from a young age.

Educational plan to lower TG

1. Food pattern: minimize added sugars and refined starch; emphasize vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, nuts, olive oil.
2. Alcohol: reduce or avoid — it can spike TG.
3. Weight & physical activity: even 5–10% weight reduction helps; add regular aerobic movement.
4. Discuss with clinician: statins for ASCVD risk, icosapent ethyl or omega-3s, and fibrates in select cases.
5. Re-check lipids in 4–12 weeks after changes.

When to act fast

If TG are extremely high (e.g., > 1000 mg/dL / > 11.3 mmol/L) with severe abdominal pain, seek urgent care for pancreatitis evaluation.

FAQs

Educational use only. Not medical advice.