Question: Even when I was in my 20's I had elevated triglyceride levels — long before my cholesterol counts started to climb. I am now in my 50's and am taking a statin drug to control my cholesterol, but my triglyceride counts remain stubbornly high (although the statin does help). Are there any risks associated with high triglycerides?

Dr. Crandall's Answer:

Triglycerides, like cholesterol, are a form of fat that circulate in the blood. Elevated triglycerides are often associated with underlying blood sugar disorders, particularly late-onset diabetes. As someone develops glucose intolerance, triglyceride counts go up.

Elevated triglycerides are also associated with metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, and are a risk factor for heart disease. In particular, triglycerides seem to play a part in developing hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis).

Since your elevated triglyceride levels were detected so early in your life, it’s likely that genetic factors have something to do with your counts. Since you are under a doctor’s care (you allude to the statin drug you are taking), I presume he has tested you for diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and other conditions associated with elevated triglycerides.

Elevated levels of triglycerides often respond surprisingly well to the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. You can add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet through “fatty fish” such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon, or through supplements. Either eat fish three times per week or add 1 gram to 4 grams of fish oil per day to your diet. You should also strictly control all sweets, carbohydrate intake, alcohol consumption, and keep your weight down.

High triglycerides are also associated with “pattern B” LDL cholesterol. This pattern indicates that the LDL particles are small and dense (and thus deadly) and embed more readily in the arteries than “pattern A” cholesterol. Your doctor should investigate this and may want to prescribe niacin (Vitamin B3) in order to “plump up” your LDL cholesterol and thereby reduce your risk for heart disease.