If you have been recently diagnosed with high triglycerides, your doctor may have prescribed medication to help manage your condition. Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulate in the bloodstream and are stored in the fat cells of the body.

High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about managing triglycerides with medication.

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the bloodstream and are a source of energy for the body. They are stored in the fat cells of the body and can be used for energy when needed.

Triglycerides are also produced by the liver and can be found in foods high in saturated and trans fats.

What Causes High Triglycerides?

High triglycerides can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, uncontrolled diabetes, liver or kidney disease, alcohol consumption, and genetics.

Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, birth control pills, and steroids, can also increase triglyceride levels.

How Are Triglycerides Measured?

Triglyceride levels are measured with a blood test called a lipid panel. The test measures the amount of triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.

Triglyceride levels are considered high if they are above 150 mg/dL.

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What Medications Are Used to Treat High Triglycerides?

There are several medications used to treat high triglycerides, including:.

• Fibrates: Fibrate medications, such as fenofibrate (Tricor), gemfibrozil (Lopid), and clofibrate, help lower triglyceride levels by reducing the amount of triglycerides produced by the liver.
• Niacin: Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, can help lower triglyceride levels by decreasing the production of triglycerides in the liver.
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, can help lower triglyceride levels by reducing the amount of triglycerides produced by the liver.
• Statins: Statin medications, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor), can help lower triglyceride levels by reducing the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver.
• Bile acid sequestrants: Bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite), colestipol (Colestid), and colesevelam (Welchol), help lower triglyceride levels by binding to bile acids in the digestive system and preventing their absorption.
• Ezetimibe: Ezetimibe (Zetia) can help lower triglyceride levels by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive system.

What Are the Side Effects of Triglyceride-Lowering Medications?

Triglyceride-lowering medications can cause side effects, depending on the medication. Fibrates can cause stomach upset, muscle pain, and an increased risk of gallstones.

Niacin can cause stomach upset, flushing of the skin, and an increased risk of liver damage. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can cause fishy aftertaste, bad breath, and an increased risk of bleeding. Statins can cause muscle pain and an increased risk of liver damage.

Bile acid sequestrants can cause constipation, stomach upset, and an increased risk of bleeding. Ezetimibe can cause stomach upset and an increased risk of liver damage.

What Can I Do to Lower My Triglyceride Levels?

In addition to medication, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to lower your triglyceride levels, including:.

• Eating a healthy diet: Eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Exercising regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, most days of the week.
• Losing weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can help lower triglyceride levels.
• Limiting alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase triglyceride levels.
• Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase triglyceride levels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Conclusion

If you have high triglyceride levels, medication can help lower your levels and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Talk to your doctor about the best medication for your condition, and be sure to make lifestyle changes to lower your levels further. By managing your triglycerides, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of serious health complications.