Celebrated annually on March 28th, National Triglycerides Day is a holiday that emphasizes the importance of knowing your triglyceride numbers and taking measures to reduce high triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood, and high levels of this fat have been associated with arteriosclerosis—a thickening of the artery walls that can increase a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

High triglycerides may also be an indicator of other conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, and other conditions. That’s why it’s important to have your numbers checked regularly.

The History of National Triglycerides Day

This holiday was founded in 2018 to raise awareness about triglycerides and the effect they can have on a person’s health. Although we’re unsure who invented this holiday, it was probably created by someone who wants everyone to have their triglycerides checked regularly.

Interesting Facts About Triglycerides

Let’s go over some facts about triglycerides that we feel everyone should know. The following facts will underscore just how important it is to understand your triglyceride levels to keep yourself healthy.

• Being overweight, eating a high-calorie diet, and consuming a lot of carbohydrates can lead to high triglyceride levels.
• Drinking too much alcohol or not properly controlling diabetes or high blood pressure can also result in high triglyceride levels.
• Eating fruits, vegetables, and more whole grains can lower triglyceride levels.
• Adding at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day can also lead to lower triglyceride levels.
• Maintaining a healthy weight can help keep triglyceride levels where they belong.

Observing National Triglycerides Day

Although a person shouldn’t wait until this holiday to have their triglyceride levels checked, this holiday can serve as a reminder to people that they need to have blood tests performed regularly. If a person knows their triglyceride numbers, they can take preventative action to keep themselves healthy and reduce their risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.