Identification

• "Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body," according to the American Heart Association. Triglycerides in your bloodstream may come directly from fat in foods or be created by your body using energy sources like carbohydrates.
  
  

Normal Triglyceride Level

• Triglyceride levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter. A good triglyceride reading, according to AHA, is 150 mg/dL or lower. 150 to 199 mg/dL is considered borderline high, while 500 mg/dL or above is considered very high.
  
  

Considerations

• Triglyceride levels are checked by blood plasma measurement. Accurate readings require an overnight food and alcohol fast.
  
  

Factors

• Triglyceride levels are affected by lifestyle habits such as "physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption and/or a diet very high in carbohydrates," according to AHA. Underlying diseases or genetic diseases may be other factors in elevated triglyceride levels.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• If you need to lower your triglycerides in order to reach the optimal level of 150 mg/dL or lower, the American Heart Association recommends the following lifestyle changes: reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol; reduce your intake of alcohol; increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and low-fat or fat-free dairy products; lose weight if you're overweight; and exercise at moderate intensity for 30 minutes at least five days a week.