4 symptoms of high triglycerides (and what to do)

High triglycerides normally do not cause symptoms and, therefore, cause damage to the body silently, and it is not uncommon to be identified only in routine exams and manifest through more serious complications.

However, in some cases, the presence of small pockets of fat on the eyelids, hands, arms and joints, a white spot on the retina and accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, for example, may be noted.

Triglycerides are fat particles present in the blood, which is why they are often elevated together with cholesterol levels. These changes must be identified as soon as possible, through consultation with the doctor, and their treatment must be carried out as soon as possible, in order to avoid serious complications, such as atherosclerosis, pancreatitis or fatty liver, for example.

Read too: Triglycerides: what they are, what they are for and possible risks

Symptoms of High Triglycerides

The main symptoms of high triglycerides are:

1. Small pockets of fat on the eyelidsyellowish and soft, known as xanthelasma;
2. Accumulation of fat in the region belly and other areas of the body;
3. The appearance of small pockets of fat on the skincalled xanthomas, mainly hands, arms, feet and joints;
4. Appearance of white spots on the retinawhich is detectable through an eye exam.

Symptoms are normally present when an increase in triglycerides is due to genetic factors or when the circulating triglyceride level is much higher than the value considered normal, and it is important that the doctor is consulted to confirm the triglyceride levels and indicate the most appropriate treatment.

To find out if the triglyceride is high, the cardiologist must assess the presence of symptoms and recommend blood tests to evaluate the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, as this way it is also possible to investigate whether the other parameters are changed and start the most appropriate treatment.

In general, the normal triglyceride value is up to 150 mg/dL, and it is important to consult a cardiologist when the result is above the normal value, especially when it is above 200 mg/dL, as in this case there is a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

Triglyceride Calculator

To find out if your triglycerides and cholesterol levels are normal, enter the data into the calculator below:

What to do

In the case of high triglycerides, it is recommended to do physical activity regularly, such as walking, running or swimming, at least 3 to 4 times a week for 30 minutes.

However, in more serious cases, where it is not possible to lower blood triglyceride levels with physical exercise and nutrition alone, the doctor may prescribe some medications such as Genfibrozil or Fenofibrate, for example. Furthermore, this compound can also cause an increase in VLDL cholesterol, which is responsible for increasing the chances of developing atherosclerosis.

It is also important to consult a nutritionist to start a balanced diet low in fat, alcoholic beverages and sugar. See what to do to reduce high triglycerides.