Heart Health High Cholesterol Causes & Risk Factors Print The Causes of High Triglycerides Medically reviewed by facebook linkedin Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD on November 03, 2019 Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. He is Verywell's Senior Medical Advisor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Richard N. Fogoros, MD Written by facebook Written by Jennifer Moll, PharmD Jennifer Moll, MS, PharmD, is a pharmacist and cholesterol expert. Jennifer is a pharmacist actively involved in educating patients about the importance of heart disease prevention by lowering cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and proper use of their medications. Learn about our editorial policy Jennifer Moll, PharmD Updated on November 23, 2019 Ariel Skelley/Getty Images More in High Cholesterol Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Support & Coping Nutrition Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition that pertains to elevated triglyceride levels. Although high triglycerides do not appear to directly contribute to causing atherosclerosis, studies have shown that high triglyceride levels may increase your risk of having cardiovascular disease. Very high triglyceride levels may also place you at risk of having pancreatitis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Current guidelines recommend that your triglyceride levels should be below 150 mg/dL. High Triglycerides Causes and Risk Factors There are many causes of high triglycerides, which could range from following a poor diet to inheriting the condition from a parent. The following factors below could place you at risk for having triglycerides — and ways you can fix these circumstances to improve your triglyceride levels: Being overweight or obese: Studies have shown that losing between 5% and 10% of your total body weight can lower your triglyceride levels by up to 20%.Genetic influences: Some conditions causing high triglyceride levels may be inherited, and are referred to as familial hypertriglyceridemias. In these cases, high triglyceride levels cannot be prevented. However, your health care provider can place you on medication that will help you to lower your high triglyceride levels.Physical inactivity: Getting moderate exercise will help keep your heart healthy — and your triglyceride levels within a healthy range.Certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome: By getting these medical conditions under control — either through lifestyle modifications or medication — you can also help lower your triglyceride levels.Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats: A lipid-lowering diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates can help keep your triglyceride levels in check.Smoking cigarettes: Stopping smoking can not only lower your risk of developing high triglycerides — but it can also help prevent other medical conditions, such as heart disease, emphysema, and lung cancer.Taking certain medications, including estrogen, protease inhibitors, and corticosteroids: Many of these medications may be medically necessary, so your healthcare provider will monitor your lipid levels. He or she may need to adjust your doses if your triglycerides become too high.Drinking too much alcohol: Limiting the amount of alcohol that you consume can help keep your heart — and triglyceride levels — healthy. Studies have shown that alcohol can adversely affect your lipids in incremental amounts, so it is suggested that you limit your alcohol to one drink per day maximum if you are a woman, and a maximum of two drinks per day in men. In most cases, making modifications to your lifestyle, as outlined above, may help to get your triglyceride levels back within a healthy range. However, in some cases, such as inherited high triglyceride levels, you may need to also take medications to lower them. Lipid-lowering drugs, — such as fibrates, fish oil, or statins — can help lower your triglycerides and may positively affect other areas of your lipid panel, too. How to Lower High Triglycerides Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to start a diet to better manage your cholesterol? Changing lifelong eating habits can be scary at first, but our guide will make it easier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Continue Reading