Triglycerides

I was recently told my Triglyceride level was at 280 and that was high.  How worried should I be?  What can this lead to?  I am a 26yr old male and weigh 165pounds.  I eat pretty normal, not too much fast food or anything.  Can a high level of triglycerides lead to chest pain?  I have been having chest pain the last few months.  Any thoughts would be helpful.  Thanks.

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

The level of triglycerides can be increased by increased carbohydrate intake.  It is unlikely that this level of triglycerides would cause any symptoms.  Sometimes elevated TG are associated with a low HDL and you should have a complete lipid profile.