Understanding Triglycerides and Their Impact on Health

4. The Importance of Triglycerides

Researchers are still unsure why high levels of triglycerides contribute to the hardening of arteries or the thickening of artery walls. More often than not, the cardiovascular system is most affected by high triglyceride levels. Metabolic syndrome and obesity are also associated with high triglycerides. Elevation in triglycerides can come from the foods we eat and other factors such as poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Other factors include low secretion of thyroid hormones and kidney or liver disease. Some rare genetic conditions can also affect the conversion of fats into energy.