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Hello rtipple,   Having a high triglyceride level is concerning because it puts you at a much greater risk of getting pancreatitis, which is a very painful inflamation of your pancreas. The pain of pancreatitis is located at the center of your abdomen, right above your umbilicus (belly button).  You also get fairly severe nausea and vomiting with the disease.  And pancreatitis can have long-lasting complications, like pancreatic pseudocysts among others, which can take a long time to resolve.   You can help your triglyceride levels by eating a low-fat diet, and by eating foods high in dietary fiber, especially green, leafy vegetables.  Stay away from alcohol because it, too, can increase your risk of pancreatitis (and cause an increase in triglycerides). Also, exercising for 30-40 minutes for 4 days a week can positively impact your levels.   If you cannot get your numbers lower through the above, your physician will likely to you about going on a medication like gemfibrozil or fenofibrate.  Also, niacin, which is a vitamin, comes in a prescription strength formulation and can also be taken to lower triglyceride numbers.   As always, you should make an appointment with your physician to discuss which of these suggestions are best for your health.   To your health, Neil MD   And yes, it true that a high triglyceride levels makes calculating your LDL-cholesterol lever incorrect.