TRIGLYCERIDES - CAUSES OF THEIR HIGH LEVELS AND HOW TO REDUCE THEM

Dr. EBAD Khan

20-Sept-2022

 

Increased risk for cardiovascular illness and stroke is associated with elevated triglyceride levels. The good news is that there are things you can do to lower your triglyceride levels. This article will explain what triglycerides are and how you can reduce them.


WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIGLYCERIDES AND CHOLESTEROL?


Most people know that cholesterol is the fat found in the bloodstream. What many don't realize is that triglycerides are also a type of fat. Triglycerides make up the majority of the fats in our bodies. While cholesterol is necessary for good health, too much can lead to severe problems. For triglycerides, it's the same deal. High triglyceride levels have been linked to an increased risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and other serious health problems.
 

So what exactly are triglycerides? And what causes their levels to become too high? Read on to learn more about this critical topic.
Calories that aren't used immediately after a meal are transformed into triglycerides and stored as fat. At a later time, when energy is required, the body releases triglycerides into the bloodstream.


WHY DO HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES MATTER?

If you have high levels of triglycerides in your blood, you may be at an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, often known as "hardening of the arteries." Other health issues may also be brought on by this condition.
There is a strong correlation between high triglycerides and other cardiovascular risk factors like obesity, hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes.
That's why it's essential to check your triglyceride level if you have any of these other conditions.
There are things you can do to lower your triglycerides, such as: 

  • Eating a nutritious diet
  • Losing weight
  • Exercising more
  • Avoiding sugar
  • Avoiding refined carbs

If these lifestyle changes don't work, your doctor may prescribe medication.
 

What Are The Risk Factors For High Triglycerides?
 

Potential risk factors for high triglycerides include:

  • A poor diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Overweight 
  • Some medicines
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Alcohol abuse

If you have one or more of these risk factors, taking steps to reduce your triglyceride levels is essential.
A nutritious diet, frequent exercise, and weight loss (if necessary) can all help reduce triglycerides.
If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels can also help reduce triglyceride levels.


Complications Of High Triglycerides
  

Excessive levels of fat in the blood are indicated by high triglycerides. As a result, this can cause a variety of dangerous health issues, such as: 

  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Heart disease

 

High triglycerides can also cause Pancreatitis, a severe, fatal condition. If you have high triglycerides, you must talk to your doctor about ways to lower them. You can lower your triglyceride levels by making adjustments to your lifestyle, such as eating healthier and exercising more frequently. In some situations, medication may also be recommended.


What's The Best Way To Lower Triglycerides?

If you have high triglycerides, you can do a few things to lower them. 

  • First, cut back on sugary and processed foods. These foods can raise your triglyceride levels. 
  • Focus on consuming healthy fats instead, such as those in nuts, avocados, and olive oil. 
  • Additionally, you need to ensure that you are physically active. Exercise can help to lower triglyceride levels by improving your insulin sensitivity.

 

What's The Average Triglycerides Intake?


Levels of triglycerides above 200 mg/dL are considered unhealthy, while the normal range is between less than 150 and more than 200 mg/dL.
Triglyceride levels can fluctuate throughout the day and are usually highest after eating. 
If you have high triglycerides, there are several things you can do to bring them down. Losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and cutting back on alcohol can all help. If these lifestyle changes aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe medication.

 

References

Clinical review on triglycerides
Ulrich Laufs, Klaus G Parhofer, and Robert A Hegele

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6938588/

 

Triglyceride and cardiovascular risk: A critical appraisal
Awadhesh Kumar Singh and Ritu Singh
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4911828/

 

High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know
By R. Morgan Griffin
https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/high-triglycerides-what-you-need-to-know