On my last blood test, my triglycerides were 280. Should I be worried about that?

A high triglyceride level is worrisome for several reasons. It's usually accompanied by a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol) and a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good" cholesterol). Very high triglycerides can damage the liver and pancreas.


TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS
Normal: Less than 150
Borderline high: 150-199
High: 200-499
Very high: 500 or higher
(Values in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)


Several things can cause triglyceride levels to rise. The most common culprit is a diet rich in fatty foods and highly processed carbohydrates, followed by excess weight, smoking, and little physical activity. Other contributors include an underactive thyroid gland, kidney disease, diabetes, overproduction of the hormones aldosterone or cortisol, some medications, and some genetic conditions.