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Heart Health

Know your triglycerides: Here's why

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Triglycerides are fatty substances (lipids) in the blood that, like “bad” LDL cholesterol, may contribute to risk of heart attacks and strokes. Unless triglycerides are very high, they do not require medication to lower them. Men with mildly to moderately high triglycerides are advised to exercise, lose weight if they are overweight, improve their diet, and reduce alcohol consumption to lower their risk and bring triglycerides to the normal range. Men at above-average cardiovascular risk with high triglycerides can benefit from taking a cholesterol-lowering statin drug.

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