Do you have high triglycerides in your blood? Let's talk about Fibrates!

Did the doctor say that your triglycerides are high in your latest blood report? Or did he say that your HDL (good cholesterol) levels are low? Many people get a little worried when they hear something like this. "Oh, what do I do now?" they think. But don't worry. Today we're talking about a special medication that doctors use to control these conditions.

Simply put, what are these Fibrates?

Fibrates are a type of medication that a doctor prescribes. They have two main functions. 1. Reducing the level of triglycerides in the blood: Now you may be wondering what these triglycerides are. Simply put, these are a type of fat that accumulates in our blood after we eat. When our body burns more calories than it needs, our body converts them into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. When these levels increase too much in the blood, the risk of heart disease increases. What is even more dangerous is that if these levels increase too much, a serious condition called pancreatitis can occur. This is when our pancreas becomes inflamed. 2. Increasing the level of 'good cholesterol' (HDL): This HDL cholesterol helps to take the bad cholesterol in our body to the liver and remove it. So, increasing these levels is very good for the body. But one thing should be remembered. Fibrates don't lower 'bad cholesterol' (LDL) levels that much. There are other medications for that.

How does this medicine work inside the body?

Although this is a bit of a scientific story, I'll explain it simply so you can understand. Imagine that our body is like a big factory.

• Our liver is the main part of this factory. The liver makes a type of fat particle called VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein). These VLDL particles are like trucks that carry fats called triglycerides throughout the body.
• When fibrates enter the body, they send a signal to the liver to "reduce the amount of VLDL you make." So when VLDL levels decrease, the amount of triglycerides circulating throughout the body also decreases.
• Fibrates also do something else: they block apolipoproteins AI and A-II, which help make 'good cholesterol' (HDL).It increases the production of two types of proteins called phospholipids by the liver. When these proteins are produced in excess, our HDL levels also increase.

Simply put, this medicine reduces the production of unwanted fat and increases the production of necessary good cholesterol.

Who is prescribed fibrates?

The main reason your doctor may prescribe this medication is because your triglyceride levels are very high. Although high triglycerides are linked to heart disease, the evidence that taking fibrates reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke is not as strong as that of other cholesterol medications, such as statins . Therefore, your doctor will carefully evaluate your condition and decide if this medication is right for you.

Medication alone is not enough! You also need to change your lifestyle!

Fibrates are not magic. It is definitely important to make some changes to your lifestyle while taking this medication. Your doctor will tell you these things when prescribing the medication.

• Heart-healthy diet: Reduce foods high in oil, sugar, and flour. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains , and fish in your diet.
• Exercise: Exercise for at least 150 minutes a week. Brisk walking, running,You can do something like riding a bike .
• Stress management: Stress also affects cholesterol. Relax your mind by doing yoga, meditation, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.
• Good sleep: Get at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep per night.
• Avoid smoking: If you smoke, quitting immediately is the biggest help you can do for your heart.

Sometimes your doctor may prescribe fibrates alone. However, if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease, you may also prescribe fibrates along with another type of cholesterol-lowering medication called statins . However, when you take these two medications together, some people may be at slightly increased risk of muscle problems . That's why your doctor will monitor you closely. Don't worry, your doctor will manage it all.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, fibrates can cause minor side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Most people don't have any problems. Even if they do, they usually go away within a few days. If you continue to have this, tell your doctor. But don't stop taking the medicine suddenly.

Other things to be aware of when taking this medicine

Fibrates can interact with other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking (even vitamins).

• Blood thinners:If you are taking blood thinners like Warfarin , fibrates may increase your risk of bleeding. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
• Other cholesterol medications: As mentioned earlier, the fibrate gemfibrozil can interact with some statins, such as simvastatin . So your doctor will be careful about that and will give you the most suitable combination of medications.

Situations where you need to call the doctor immediately!

If you experience any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. These are usually rare, but they could be a sign of a serious condition.

Are there people who should not take this medicine?

Yes, fibrates are not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, you should tell your doctor.

• If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother.
• If you have allergies to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
• If you have gallbladder, liver, or kidney conditions.
• If you have a scheduled appointment for something like major surgery or tooth extraction.
• If you have diabetes, the doctor will take special care.

By telling your doctor your complete medical history, he or she will be able to provide you with the safest and most appropriate treatment. Fibrates Sinhala, Triglycerides Sinhala, Cholesterol medication, Blood fat, HDL cholesterol, Pancreatitis, Fibrates side effects