Like cholesterol, triglycerides are common types of fats (lipids) that are essential for good health when present in normal amounts. They account for about 95 percent of the body’s fatty tissue. Triglycerides are present in food and are manufactured by the body.

Abnormally high triglyceride levels are associated with a number of diseases and conditions, such as cirrhosis (a disease of the liver), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and poorly controlled diabetes.

High triglyceride levels are also associated with known risk factors for heart disease, such as low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and obesity. Triglycerides may also contribute to a type of thickening of artery walls – a physical change believed to be a predictor of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Researchers are continuing to investigate exactly how triglycerides affect cardiovascular health.

Triglyceride-lowering medications include fibrates and niacin. They reduce the production of triglycerides and remove triglycerides from the system.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes maintain triglyceride levels below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).