Just like cholesterol, triglycerides play an important role in the body. Triglycerides are a major source of energy, providing cells with the fuel they need to function properly. Triglycerides are actually a mixture of two things—fatty acids and glycerol (a type of alcohol).

Triglycerides are derived from two sources in the body. The first includes the foods we eat, such as sugar and saturated fats. The liver processes these triglycerides and makes sure that all of the cells in the body have an adequate supply of triglycerides to draw upon in the event that fuel is needed. When triglycerides from the food we eat are in short supply, the liver begins producing triglycerides on its own.

As with cholesterol, triglycerides must combine with protein in order to travel effectively in the bloodstream. Triglycerides are carried to cells in the body in the form of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)—proteins that contain triglycerides and small amounts of both protein and cholesterol. If the cells are in need of the triglycerides, the triglycerides are handed over and the VLDL is converted to LDL. But if the cells do not need the triglycerides, the VLDL will continue to circulate in the bloodstream.

High triglyceride levels can put a lot of stress on the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing certain enzymes needed for digesting food and producing the hormone insulin. This stress on the pancreas can lead to pancreatitis—inflammation of the pancreas that can result in serious illness.

The role of elevated triglyceride levels—a condition called hypertriglyceridemia—in cardiovascular disease isn't clear. While studies have demonstrated that elevated cholesterol is an "independent predictor" of heart disease—meaning that elevated cholesterol alone is enough to increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke—limited data have concluded that elevated triglycerides is an independent predictor of cardiovascular problems. However, it's important to recognize that most people with elevated triglycerides have other risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, such as elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity. Confusing matters further, most people who see their triglyceride levels increase also experience a decrease in their HDL levels. Thus, it's hard to say whether the risk of heart disease is increased because triglyceride levels are high or because HDL levels are low.

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