Facts on TRIGLYCERIDES

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. 31% of the US adult population has elevated triglyceride levels. Studies have consistently linked high triglycerides levels with heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, liver and pancreas problems, showing up along with other problems, like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.

When we eat, our body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides for later use as energy. If we regularly eat more calories than we burn, high chances are we get hypertriglyceridemia: high triglycerides.

What’s the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol?
Triglycerides and cholesterol are separate types of lipids that circulate in the blood. Triglycerides store unused calories and provide your body with energy, while cholesterol is used to build cells and certain hormones.

Triglycerides are carried in the bloodstream by the lipoproteins Chylomicron and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein). Chylomicron break down into free fatty acids that are used as fuel by the heart and skeletal muscles. VLDL breaks down for energy production. Their remnants become low-density lipoprotein (LDL), typically small in size and high in concentration, and can rapidly penetrate the arterial wall promoting atherosclerosis, which is the building of plaques and inflammation in the arteries, increasing risk of cardiovascular events.

Learn your numbers. Triglycerides levels:

• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
• Borderline: 150 to 199 mg/dL
• High: 200 to 499 mg/dL
• Very High: 500 mg/dL or above

Controlling High Triglycerides: Lifestyle Changes
Therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) including diet modification, exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation are the first the first line treatment of elevated triglycerides.
A 5-10% reduction in body weight anticipates a triglyceride lowering response of 20%.

1. Get more physical activity. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five times a week can have a big impact on triglyceride levels.
2. Lose some weight. If you’re heavy, shed a few pounds and try to maintain an ideal body weight. Exercise will help, but you also need to focus on diet that’s high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
3. Choose better fats. Boost your intake of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, nuts, and some fish. Eat fewer foods with unhealthy fats (found in meat, butter, and cheese) and trans fats (in processed foods and margarines), as well as cholesterol.
4. Cut down on alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol seem to cause big spikes in triglyceride levels.

Many people, however, require medications in conjunction with TLC to achieve optimal triglyceride levels.

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