According to recent news, a significant proportion of adolescents are affected by high triglyceride levels, with India reporting that 16% of adolescents have high triglycerides. High triglycerides are a type of lipid disorder and a common health concern that can elevate the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Triglycerides are a type of fat, or lipid, that circulates in the blood. They originate from foods like butter, oils, and other fats, as well as from extra calories that the body doesn't immediately need. These unused calories are then stored as triglycerides in fat cells, and the body releases them for energy when required.

Healthy triglyceride levels are typically below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults, while children and teens aged 10-19 should have levels lower than 90 mg/dL. A reading between 150 and 199 mg/dL is considered borderline high, and levels between 200 and 499 mg/dL are high. Very high levels are those above 500 mg/dL. For children under 10 years old, a triglyceride level greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL is considered above the 95th percentile, while for those between 10 and 19 years old, that threshold is 130 mg/dL.

Elevated triglyceride levels can stem from various factors, including medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and liver disease. Dietary factors such as obesity and high intakes of fat and concentrated sweets can also contribute. Some individuals may have genetic disorders that cause very high triglyceride levels.

High triglyceride levels often show no symptoms. However, very high levels (above 500 mg/dL) can increase the risk of acute pancreatitis, a sudden swelling in the pancreas. Borderline high levels, if sustained, can also increase the risk of heart complications.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends cholesterol testing starting at age 2 for children with a parent who has high blood cholesterol (240 mg/dL or greater) or a family history of early heart disease. For other children, screening is generally recommended between ages 9 and 11, and then again between ages 17 and 21.

Lifestyle changes can often help manage triglyceride levels. These include dietary adjustments such as increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake (found in fish) and reducing simple carbohydrates like bread and pasta. Increased exercise is also beneficial. In some instances, a doctor may prescribe medication to manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels, especially if diet and exercise are insufficient.

It is also worth noting that a study in 2010 found that over 20% of adolescents had unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. According to the study, high LDL cholesterol was present in 7.6% of adolescents, low HDL in 7.6%, and high triglycerides in 10.2%. Those aged 18-19 were more likely to have lipid abnormalities.