Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. They are the most common type of fat in the body. Your body uses them for energy. You get triglycerides from foods, especially butter, oils, and other fats, as well as carbohydrates and excess calories. Your body also produces them.

High levels of triglycerides can contribute to the hardening of arteries or thickening of the artery walls (arteriosclerosis), which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Extremely high levels can also cause acute pancreatitis.

Like cholesterol, triglyceride levels are influenced by lifestyle and dietary choices. Factors that can lead to high triglyceride levels include obesity, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption, a very high-carbohydrate diet, certain diseases and conditions (such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism), some medications (like beta-blockers, diuretics, and steroids), and genetics.

Managing high triglycerides often involves lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a heart-healthy diet (with reduced saturated fats, trans fats, and simple sugars), exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol. In some cases, especially when triglyceride levels are very high or do not respond to lifestyle changes, medication may be required.

It's important to regularly monitor triglycerides as part of a cholesterol test (lipid panel) during routine medical examinations. This allows for early intervention if levels are elevated.