Keeping your cholesterol low is important, but high levels of triglycerides in your blood may put you at serious risk for heart disease, according to health experts.

TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS Reduce risk of heart disease and check triglyceride levels regularly with your doctor: Normal = 150mg Borderline High = 150-199mg High = 200-499mg Very High = 500+mg

High levels of triglycerides also increase your risk of diabetes, stroke and pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.

Experts say making some changes in your lifestyle is the most effective way to bring down triglyceride levels.

Some expert recommendations include:

• Cut down on calories and decrease sugar intake.
• Avoid sweets like cakes, cookies and soft drinks.
• Limit juice to 4 ounces per day.
• Choose high fiber carbohydrate options in moderate serving sizes.
• Increase soluble fiber by eating more fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, dried beans and lentils.
• Increase omega-3 fatty acids with fish, especially mackerel, lake trout, salmon and tuna.
• Avoid alcohol, which can cause significant triglyceride increases.
• Achieve at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

Experts add that the more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing heart disease. In addition to lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, controlling high blood pressure and quitting smoking are also critical.

Additional Resource:

• American Heart Association