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Everything You Need to Know About Triglycerides

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Everything You Need to Know About Triglycerides

Cardiac Sciences | Posted on 11/30/2023 by Dr. Sanjeeb Roy



Introduction 

Are you in the habit of keeping an eye on your levels of cholesterol and blood pressure? Well, it is a healthy practice to ensure overall well-being, but there is also something you must monitor and that is triglycerides. Triglycerides is one of the condition in which if the levels are high then it enhances the risk of developing heart conditions or diseases. However, with the right lifestyle changes and choices, the risk can be prevented to a great extent. If your triglyceride levels are high, then you must book your appointment with best cardiologist in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospital, one of the renowned healthcare services. They will offer you the best treatment solutions with exceptional patient care. 

In this blog, we will discuss triglyceride, its causes, ways to reduce the high levels, why it matters, etc. So, make sure to keep reading till the end. However, this write-up is for only informational purposes and we do not in any way support the idea of delaying the doctor’s consultation. 

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a form of fat or lipid that is present in the blood. It is primarily the food we eat and the most fat we consume regularly is in the form of triglyceride. Additional calories, sugar, and alcohol in the body convert into triglycerides. The body stocks them in fat cells across the body such as hoarding shelves in a pantry. The triglycerides are useful when you require them afterward.

If the levels of triglycerides are high, then it usually develops various conditions linked to the heart and vascular or blood vessels like heart attack and a stroke. 

What is a normal range for Triglycerides?

You can find out if your triglycerides are within a healthy range with a blood test. Here is the normal triglyceride levels:

  • Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) is considered normal.
  • 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L) is considered borderline high.
  • High: 2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L or 200 to 499 mg/dL exceeding 500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L) as a very high level.

High triglycerides are usually diagnosed by your doctor as part of a cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel or lipid profile. Before blood can be taken for a proper evaluation of your triglycerides, fasting is needed.

What causes high triglycerides?

Several conditions are there that contribute to the increase in triglyceride levels. Here are some of the most common causes of high triglyceride levels:

  • Consuming alcohol every day 
  • Not managing diabetes 
  • Liver illness 
  • Kidney disease 
  • Medicines such as diuretics, hormonal corticosteroids, beta-blockers, etc. 
  • BMI that’s above than 25 
  • Smoking habits 
  • Thyroid disease
  • No exercise

What are the risk factors for high triglycerides?

Certain risk factors are there that lead to enhancing the risk of high triglyceride levels. Here are these factors:

  • HIV 
  • Inherited lipid metabolism disorder
  • Menopause
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides family history 
  • Pregnancy 
  • South Asian Ancestry 

Why do high triglycerides matter?

High triglyceride levels can indicate the development of certain conditions increasing the risk of heart problems and stroke, including metabolic syndrome and obesity. High triglyceride levels can indicate:

  • Thyroid hormone's low levels 
  • Rare genetic conditions affecting how the body transforms fat into energy 
  • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
  • Metabolic syndrome that raises the risk of conditions like obesity, high blood sugar level, high blood pressure, and the heart illness risk

On the other hand, high triglyceride levels represent the side effects of some medicines like diuretics, retinoids, steroids, estrogen, progestin, beta-blockers, immunosuppressants, and HIV medicines.

How to reduce high triglyceride levels? 

Doctors recommend to follow certain lifestyle changes such as: 

  • It is important to at least exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes as it helps in lowering triglycerides and boosting good cholesterol.
  • Make sure to stay away from sugar and refined carbohydrates in food items like white flour or fructose.
  • If you are obese and your BMI is above 25, then you must lose weight. Ensure cutting on calories as it assists in reducing the levels of triglycerides to a greater level.
  • Make sure to choose healthy fats like in meats or plants such as canola oils. Involve omega-3 fatty acids and evade trans-fats. 
  • You must ensure reducing the intake of alcohol as it not only increases the level of triglycerides but also impacts your overall health negatively.
  • If you smoke regularly, ensure quitting this habit as soon as possible if you want to ensure low levels of triglycerides and prevent the risk of heart disease and other conditions. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, now you must be mindful of how high triglyceride levels can impact your health and lead to heart conditions like pancreatitis. High triglyceride levels are linked to drinking or eating excessive calories than you need can cause serious health issues. Fortunately, there are steps can take for lowering your triglyceride levels is something you can do. Your physician can recommend heart-healthy lifestyle modifications. Medication can also be helpful, if necessary.

Faq - 

 

What is serum triglycerides?

Serum triglycerides are referred to as the triglyceride levels in the blood’s liquid part called serum. With blood tests, these levels are measured which is usually a part of the lipid panel.

What causes high triglyceride levels?

Certain constituents are there that can cause high triglyceride levels such as smoking, drinking alcohol, not managing diabetes, thyroid disease, lack of exercise, liver disease, kidney disease, etc. 

How to control triglyceride levels?

If you want to control your high triglyceride levels, then make sure to exercise regularly, be involved in healthy eating habits, and omega-3 fatty acids, etc. 

How do reduce triglycerides naturally with food?

Foods that can help in reducing triglyceride levels are oily fish, salmon, vegetables, like leafy greens, citrus fruits, berries, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheese.