How are your triglyceride levels? Let's talk about this simply!

Have you ever had it in your blood? Have you heard of triglycerides ? Maybe a doctor has told you about them, or you have seen this word on a lipid profile report. While many people know about cholesterol, they don't really understand triglycerides. So today, let's talk in a simple and friendly way about what triglycerides are, why they are important to our bodies, and what happens if they increase.

What are triglycerides?

Simply put, triglycerides are a type of fat that comes from the food we eat. Triglycerides are found mostly in foods like butter and oil. Not only that, but the extra calories in the food we eat, that is, the calories that our body consumes more than it needs at that time, things like alcohol and sugar, also turn into triglycerides inside our bodies.

Think of it like a shelf in our kitchen. When we bring groceries from the store, we put them on the shelves to use later, right? That's how our bodies store these triglycerides in fat cells, to use later when we need energy. That means, triglycerides are an important source of energy for our bodies.

However, the problem is if these triglyceride levels become too high. If that happens, that is, if you reach a condition called hypertriglyceridemia , you are at increased risk of developing heart disease and blood vessel diseases. This includes even more serious conditions like heart attack and stroke. In the United States alone, about 25% of people are said to have high triglyceride levels. This condition is now becoming more common in Sri Lanka as well.

What is the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol?

Many people confuse triglycerides and cholesterol. Although both belong to the group of fats called lipids, there are differences between the two.

• Triglycerides are actually fats. They mainly help store energy.
• Cholesterol is not a fat. It is a waxy substance produced by our liver. Cholesterol is essential for building cell walls, helping the nervous system function, digesting food, and producing hormones.

Simply put, triglycerides give us energy, while cholesterol helps build various parts and processes in our body.

How do triglycerides circulate in the blood?

Cholesterol cannot mix with the blood on its own or dissolve in it. Therefore, our liver packages cholesterol with triglycerides and a type of protein called lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are what carry this fatty mixture throughout the body to where it is needed.

These lipoproteins ( There are several types of lipoproteins :

• Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs): These mainly carry triglycerides from the liver to other parts of the body.
• High-density lipoproteins (HDLs): These are what we call "good cholesterol." They carry excess cholesterol back to the liver.
• Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs): These are what we call " bad cholesterol ." If these are high, cholesterol can build up in the arteries and clog them.

So, when looking at triglyceride levels, we pay attention to everything: VLDL, HDL, and LDL.

Triglycerides levels: What are normal and high values?

Your doctor will classify your triglyceride levels as follows (these values ​​are for adults):

• Normal level: Less than 150 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).
• Mildly elevated level (M ILD ): 150-199 mg/dL.
• Moderate: 200-499 mg/dL.
• Very high level (Severe): greater than 500 mg/dL.

The normal triglyceride level for young people between the ages of 10 and 19 should be less than 90 mg/dL.

Your total cholesterol level is calculated by adding together your triglycerides, HDL, and LDL. If your triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels are high and your HDL cholesterol levels are low, you are at higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Remember, these values ​​are read through a blood test. To get the most accurate results, it is important to fast for about 8 to 12 hours before this blood test.

Are there symptoms when triglycerides increase?

Here's the dangerous part. Just like high cholesterol, high triglycerides often don't show any symptoms. That's why it's important to get regular lipid blood tests done as directed by your doctor and stay aware of your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you wait until symptoms appear, it may be too late.

However, if triglyceride levels become very high (for example, more than 1000 mg/dL), some people may develop yellow fatty deposits (xanthomas) on the skin. However, this is uncommon.

What are the complications of high triglycerides?

Elevated triglyceride levels can cause various complications to your health.

• Pancreatitis: This is the most serious and dangerous complication. The pancreas is an important organ that helps us digest food. If triglyceride levels become too high, the pancreas can become inflamed and cause severe pain. This condition can even be life-threatening.
• Heart and blood vessel related diseases:
• Carotid artery disease: Blockage of the main artery in the neck.
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack: Blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
• Metabolic syndrome: This is a combination of high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Elevated triglycerides are also part of this.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the limbs.
• Stroke: Blockage or rupture of a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain.

So, you probably now understand how important it is to control your triglyceride levels.

What are the causes of high triglycerides?

There are various reasons why triglyceride levels can increase. Some of them are:

• Excessive alcohol use: Drinking too much alcohol is one of the main causes.
• Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus: Triglyceride levels can increase in people with diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are not controlled.
• A diet high in sugar, saturated fat, and simple carbohydrates: Eating too much of things like sweet foods, drinks, fatty foods, and flour.
• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Certain medications: For example, diuretics, some hormones, corticosteroids, beta-blockers, and some HIV medications.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25: This means that you are overweight for your height.
• Inflammatory diseases: For example, rheumatoid arthritis.
• Smoking.
• Thyroid disease: Especially when the thyroid gland is underactive (Hypothyroidism).
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle without exercise.

What are the risk factors for high triglycerides?

Some people are more at risk of developing high triglyceride levels than others. These risk factors include:

• Family history of high cholesterol or high triglycerides.
• Menopause: Triglyceride levels may increase in women after menopause.
• Pregnancy: Triglyceride levels naturally increase slightly during pregnancy.
• HIV infection.
• Inherited lipid metabolism disorders.
• South Asian ancestry: Some studies show that people from our region are also at higher risk.

How often should triglycerides be tested?

The risk of high triglyceride levels increases with age, so your doctor may recommend more frequent testing as your risk increases.

How are the adults?

• Generally, adults in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s are recommended to have cholesterol and triglycerides tested every 4 to 6 years.
• However, if you have diabetes mellitus, a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, or other risk factors for heart disease, you may need to be tested more frequently.
• It is a good idea for men over the age of 45 to get tested once a year.
• It is also a good idea for women over the age of 55 to have a checkup once a year.

If you already have cardiovascular disease, or if you are taking medication to lower cholesterol or triglycerides, your doctor or cardiologist will check your triglyceride levels more frequently.

Do young children also need these tests?

Yes, even young children may need cholesterol and triglyceride tests. Doctors usually check these levels in children between the ages of 9 and 11, and again when they reach adolescence (between the ages of 17 and 21).

Also, if someone in a child's family has had conditions such as high cholesterol, heart disease, or stroke, the doctor may recommend these tests as early as 2 years of age.

How to prevent and reduce high triglycerides?

The good news is that you can lower your triglyceride levels by making some changes to your diet and lifestyle. Try these things to keep your triglycerides and total cholesterol levels at healthy levels:

• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day. Do something you enjoy, such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Reduce unhealthy fats and simple sugars (carbohydrates), and eat more fiber-rich foods. Include vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and fish in your diet.
• Control high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. If you have these conditions, control them well according to medical advice.
• Limit your alcohol consumption. Reduce it as much as possible, or stop it completely.
• Get enough sleep. Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
• Lose weight (if necessary) and maintain a healthy weight for you.
• Manage stress. Things like yoga and meditation can help.
• Stop using tobacco products. If you smoke, ask for help to quit.

How are high triglyceride levels treated?

If lifestyle changes alone don't control triglyceride levels, or if you're at high risk for heart disease or stroke, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your triglycerides. This may include cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins. Other medications, such as fibrates, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids, are sometimes used.

Remember the most important thing!

High triglyceride levels increase your risk of heart disease and pancreatitis. Eating too many calories, especially foods high in sugar and fat, is a major cause of high triglyceride levels.

But the best thing is that you can take steps to lower your triglyceride levels. Your doctor can guide you towards a heart-healthy lifestyle. If necessary, you can also get help from medication. So, take care of your triglyceride levels, get regular tests, and follow your doctor's advice. It will help you live a healthy life!

` Triglycerides, cholesterol, heart disease, lipids, healthy eating, exercise, blood tests