Learn about triglycerides and
triglyceride levels

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your bloodstream. Triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. When you eat, some of the calories you consume are used for energy, and others are converted to triglycerides and stored. They are released between meals when you need energy.

How are Triglycerides and Cholesterol Related?

Cholesterol and triglycerides are both medical terms describing types of fat in your blood. Cholesterol is used to build cells and certain hormones; it is found naturally in the body and in foods you eat and is only needed in small amounts. Both triglycerides and cholesterol are critical to your health. In recent years, studies have shown that triglycerides should not be overlooked. If left untreated, very high triglycerides, like elevated cholesterol levels, can lead to future health problems. Talk to your doctor. Taking your medication(s) as directed by your doctor, along with eating a healthy diet and exercising daily, can help you lower very high triglycerides and cholesterol. Your doctor may use different medication to treat very high triglycerides than to treat high cholesterol. Both of these are lipids you need to be aware of and manage on a daily basis.

What You Should Know About Triglycerides

Here's what you need to know about triglycerides:

• Everyone has triglycerides
• Some people have too many triglycerides
• If you eat more calories than your body burns on a regular basis, your triglycerides might become too high
• People who have above-normal triglycerides often have other health risks like high LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol
• If you already have other health problems like diabetes, you might be at risk for having very high triglycerides
• There are things you can do to help lower your very high triglycerides

For more information about terms related to triglycerides, see the Glossary.

What Are Normal Versus Very High Triglyceride Levels?

Normal triglycerides are less than 150 mg/dL. Here are the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines for normal to very high triglyceride levels:

Why Should I Be Concerned about Triglycerides?

When triglycerides are "very high" (500 mg/dL or higher), it means there is too much fat in the blood; this is a serious medical condition. It is important to be aware of your triglyceride number as having very high triglycerides can put you at risk for future health problems.

Am I at Risk for Very High Triglycerides?

Your doctor can measure your triglyceride level with a blood test. This blood test is part of a lipid profile that also checks your cholesterol levels. Your triglyceride number is different from your cholesterol numbers, and your doctor may use different medications to treat each condition.

You might be at risk for very high triglyceride levels if you have other health problems like:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Take your triglyceride number seriously. It is important to know if you have very high triglyceride levels. Learn the risk factors that may apply to you. A healthy diet and medication can help lower your very high triglyceride levels. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Important Safety Information for LOVAZA^® (omega-3-acid ethyl esters)

LOVAZA, along with diet, helps to lower very high triglycerides (≥500 mg/dL) in adult patients.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to fish or shellfish as LOVAZA may not be right for you.

Talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications you are taking, especially those that may increase your risk of bleeding. In some patients, LDL (bad) cholesterol may increase. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during treatment with LOVAZA to check your cholesterol and
triglyceride levels. If you have liver disease, you may require additional monitoring.

Possible side effects include burping, infection, flu-like symptoms, upset stomach and change in sense of taste.

How supplied: 1-gram capsule

For more information about LOVAZA, please click here to see Patient Information or full Prescribing Information.