# ATTN Medical Dopers: High Triglycerides? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 12, 2003, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601 "2003-12-12T15:25:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Earthworm\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f07891/32.png) [@Earthworm\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earthworm_Jim)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/1 "2003-12-12T15:25:54Z")
Disclaimer: I know that answers here fall short of actual medical recommendations and what not. Should I actually be given reason to be concerned, I will hie myself to the offices of a live human being, I promise šŸ™‚ I recently had some blood drawn for insurance purposes. They mailed a report to me, and I was normal just about everywhere (except cholesterol, where interestingly enough I was low). However, according to this lab report, I had a fairly high number for triglycerides - 277 where 0 - 150 is ā€˜normalā€™. I had eaten within the hour of the blood being drawn, Iā€™m not particularly overweight at 6ā€™2" ~220lbs. However, there is some history of heart problems in my family. So - the question. In and of itself, is the high triglyceride count anything to fret about? Should I be at all concerned by this development? Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/2 "2003-12-12T16:54:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Beelzebubba \* > \*\*So - the question. In and of itself, is the high triglyceride count anything to fret about? Should I be at all concerned by this development? Thanks \*\* Given that you say there is a history of heart problems in your family then yes, you may want to fret a little. From [AmericanHeart.org](http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4778) > [@](#): > > How is an excess of triglycerides harmful? > > Excess triglycerides in plasma is called hypertriglyceridemia. Itā€™s linked to the occurrence of coronary artery disease in some people. Elevated triglycerides may be a consequence of other disease, such as untreated diabetes mellitus. Like cholesterol, increases in triglyceride levels can be detected by plasma measurements. These measurements should be made after an overnight food and alcohol fast. Now, maybe the fact that you had something to eat before the test messed the results, but you did mention a family history. Any history of diabetes in your family as well? Standard IANAD disclaimer applies here. ---
**Author:** ![robcaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/df705f/32.png) [@robcaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robcaro)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/3 "2003-12-12T17:14:07Z")
I had high triglycerides a few years ago and my doctor prescribed taking 900mg of niacin each day. I started with 1 100mg tablets 3 times a day increasing after a week or two to 2 tablets 3 times a day for another week then increasing the dosage to 3 tablets 3 times a day until the triglycerides levels came down to normal limits. IANAD, so ask your doctor about this. Perhaps he doesnā€™t know about it but it worked for me. When you are taking the niacin, you may notice a side effect of a hot flushing for a few moments, but it seems to be harmless. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGauss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karlgauss/32/3713_2.png) [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/4 "2003-12-12T18:29:46Z")
Triglyceride levels MUST be measured in the fasting state (ideally 12 to 14 hours). Yours were measured after eating. So, nothing can be said at this point except that the insurance company may be being sneaky, i.e. they may ā€œrateā€ you on the high triglycerides even though it was an unfair test. Bottom line: Repeat them after a fast. In terms of coronary risk and TGā€™s, IMHO there is an association but not a causal relationship. By themselves, high TGā€™s do not lead to atherosclerosis. Rather, people with high TGā€™s often have other coronary risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, low HDL, high insulin levels, etc. etc. So, I would view high TGā€™s as a risk _marker_ and not a risk factor. Indeed, I am aware of no evidence that lowering TGā€™s _per se_ leads to reduced coronary risk. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/5 "2003-12-12T19:18:32Z")
My triglycerides are always high. When my Dr. told me we discussed causes which can include a lot of alcohol consumption, or a high fat diet. I personally, have about 2 glasses of wine a year, and am essentially vegetarian. Iā€™m just blessed with that sort of heredity (which can also be the cause.) My official course of treatment is ā€œnothingā€. However, given your family Hx of heart disease it my be a good idea to consult with your physician about it. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/6 "2003-12-12T19:22:55Z")
**KarlGauss** is right. This test is inaccurate without at least an 8 hour fast. High triglycerides, in isolation, are cause for some concern if there is a history of heart problems, and can be treated by eating a lower fat diet or medicines such as niacin (hard to take but it works) or fibrates. ---
**Author:** ![Earthworm\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f07891/32.png) [@Earthworm\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earthworm_Jim)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/7 "2003-12-12T19:39:40Z")
Cool. I thank you all for your assistance. ---
**Author:** ![Matchka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/77aa72/32.png) [@Matchka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Matchka)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/8 "2003-12-12T20:56:11Z")
Iā€™ve got the same kind of numbers: insanely high triglycerides, total cholesterol of 160 but with too much LDL. Dad has the same problem and celebrated his 61st birthday with a 6x bypass. Ma did some geneology, none of my dadā€™s male ancestors made it much past 60 if they ever got _that_ far. Soā€¦tell me about this Niacin business? Iā€™ve also heard that B6, B12 & Folic acid are good supps for this as well. Is there any scinece out there about this approach? ---
**Author:** ![robcaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/df705f/32.png) [@robcaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robcaro)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/9 "2003-12-12T23:31:29Z")
Internet link about Niacin and Triglycerides: [http://www.cholesterol-and-triglycerides.com/html/triglyceride-treatments.php3](http://www.cholesterol-and-triglycerides.com/html/triglyceride-treatments.php3) > [@](#): > > Niacin > > Besides lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, niacin benefits include enhancing the effect of some statins, raising HDL, and lowering fibrinogen levels. Fibrinogen contributes to plaque formation. Slowing the signs of aging is one of the additional niacin benefits. Some drugs or supplements can negate niacin benefits. > > Common side effects of niacin include upset stomach, flushing and itching after taking niacin. Some doctors recommend taking aspirin to counteract the flushing effect. In some cases, liver enzymes may rise to abnormally high levels. Diabetics may suffer higher blood glucose levelsā€”so niacin in generally not recommended for insulin dependent diabetics. Individuals with gout risk painful arthritis. Check with you physician before taking niacin supplements. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2003, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/10 "2003-12-13T00:18:38Z")
There is good evidence for niacin in lowering triglycerides. Same with fibrates, fish oils (with long chain omega fatty acids). A diet high in fiber and low in sugar can also be helpful. I am unaware that B6 and B12 are helpful for triglycerides although they are used to treat sideroblastic anemia and pernicious anemia; dietary deficiency of B6 is rare. Folate is helpful in some hematological disorders and pregnancy but not high fats AFAIK. ---
**Author:** ![SnoopyFan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@SnoopyFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnoopyFan)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2003, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attn-medical-dopers-high-triglycerides/218601/11 "2003-12-13T03:15:37Z")
Your triglycerides can skyrocket if you are a diabetic/pre-diabetic. Iā€™ve heard doctors say that when someone is diagnosed with diabetes they may as well throw in a cholesterol lowering pill in with the insulin. Do you exercise, OP? If you donā€™t, and you started, chances are theyā€™d go down. Itā€™s amazing what just a bit of walking can do.