Raised Triglycerides
What you will learn on this page
- What triglycerides are and why they matter
- Common causes of raised triglycerides
- How medications and statins affect triglycerides
- When high triglycerides are more serious
- What lifestyle and dietary changes can reduce them
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. After you eat, your body converts excess calories — especially from carbohydrates and sugars — into triglycerides for storage.
They are an important energy source, but high levels over time are linked with increased cardiovascular risk.
Very high levels can also increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which is more urgent.
Why do raised triglycerides matter?
Mild to moderate elevation is often part of a broader metabolic pattern that includes:
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- Central weight gain
- Low HDL cholesterol
- Fatty liver
This cluster is sometimes referred to as metabolic syndrome.
Triglycerides are often more of a marker of metabolic health than an isolated problem. We usually assess your overall cardiovascular risk rather than treating a single number in isolation.
What causes raised triglycerides?
Common causes include:
- Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Alcohol intake
- Being overweight
- Insulin resistance or diabetes
- Lack of regular exercise
Other causes can include:
- Underactive thyroid
- Kidney disease
- Certain genetic lipid conditions
Medications that may increase triglycerides include:
- Some beta-blockers
- Oral oestrogens
- Steroids
- Some antipsychotics
- Excess alcohol
- Certain HIV medications
If needed, we can review whether medication is contributing.
I’m on a statin — what does that mean?
Statins mainly lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, but they also reduce triglycerides to some extent.
If triglycerides remain elevated while on a statin, this does not mean the statin is ineffective. It may mean that lifestyle factors or insulin resistance are playing a larger role.
In some higher-risk patients, additional treatment such as icosapent ethyl (a purified omega-3 preparation) may be considered, but this depends on overall cardiovascular risk.
When are triglycerides more serious?
- Levels persistently above 2.3 mmol/L increase cardiovascular risk.
- Levels above 5 mmol/L significantly increase the risk of pancreatitis and require more urgent management.
If levels are very high, we may investigate secondary causes and adjust treatment more rapidly.
How can I lower triglycerides?
Triglycerides respond very well to lifestyle change — often more quickly than cholesterol.
1. Reduce sugar and refined carbohydratesCut down on sugary drinks, sweets, white bread, pastries and ultra-processed foods.
2. Moderate alcohol intakeAlcohol can significantly raise triglycerides, even in modest amounts.
3. Increase physical activityRegular aerobic exercise improves insulin sensitivity and reduces triglycerides.
4. Aim for gradual weight loss if overweightEven a 5–10% reduction in body weight can significantly improve levels.
5. Improve dietary fat qualityUse olive oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish. Avoid trans fats and heavily processed foods.
Low-fat diets are not always the answer — reducing refined carbohydrates is often more effective.
Do I need medication?
Medication is considered when:
- Cardiovascular risk is high
- Triglycerides remain elevated despite lifestyle measures
- Levels are high enough to increase pancreatitis risk
For many people, lifestyle measures are the most effective and safest first step.
