All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Causes of high and low triglycerides
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
The level of triglycerides in the blood increases with HLP types I, IIB, III, IV and V, viral hepatitis, alcoholism, alcoholic cirrhosis, biliary cirrhosis, extrahepatic biliary obstruction, acute and chronic pancreatitis, chronic renal failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, pregnancy, coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular thrombosis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, gout, glycogenosis types I, III and VI, respiratory distress syndrome, thalassemia major, Down syndrome, Werner syndrome, idiopathic hypercalcemia, acute intermittent porphyria (AIPP).
Elevated blood triglyceride levels are a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. An increase in blood triglyceride levels to 200-500 mg/dl or 2.3-5.6 mmol/l is considered severe hypertriglyceridemia, and more than 500 mg/dl or more than 5.6 mmol/l is considered severe hypertriglyceridemia.
A decrease in the triglyceride content in the blood is observed in abetalipoproteinemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, lactosuria, malnutrition, malabsorption syndrome, and liver parenchyma damage (in the terminal stage).