Triglycerides and heart health
Triglycerides and heart health
Triglycerides (TG) are one of the major constituents of fat (lipid) present in the blood. It is an energy storage source and provides energy for the normal functioning of the body. A high level of triglycerides in the blood is called hypertriglyceridemia.
The excess or unused calories in the body are converted into triglycerides immediately and stored in fat cells. So, if you eat excess than you burn, it may result in high triglyceride levels. A blood test called lipid profile can be done to detect triglyceride levels along with other lipids. For adults, fasting triglyceride levels are categorized into the following:
- Normal – less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
- Borderline high – 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.7 to 2.2 mmol/L)
- High – 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)
- Very high – more than 500 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)
However, high triglyceride levels can affect heart health. It can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Are both triglycerides and cholesterol same?
Triglycerides and cholesterol are fats present in the blood that can affect heart health. However, cholesterol is produced by the body, whereas triglycerides are supplemented by the food we take. They also have different functions. Cholesterol is the building block of energy and is important for the synthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. Triglycerides produce energy and store unused calories.
How do high triglyceride levels affect heart health?
High triglycerides can result in the hardening of the arteries or the thickening of the artery walls by forming deposits. It may result in atherosclerosis or stenosis increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. High triglycerides are present in patients with obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or metabolic syndrome.
How can we reduce triglyceride levels?
Triglyceride levels can be reduced by making proactive healthy lifestyle choices.
- Exercise regularly at least 45 minutes per day
- Include more fiber in the diet
- Limit sugar intake
- Reduce excess weight if you are overweight or obese
- Limit alcohol intake
- Choose healthier fats such as olive and canola oils, and fish high omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel, tuna, sardines, and salmon
Do I need medications to lower triglyceride levels?
Your doctor is the best person to recommend treatment based on the triglyceride levels and your health condition. In general, cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins (eg: atorvastatin and rosuvastatin), fibrates (eg: fenofibrate and gemfibrozil), and niacin (eg: nicotinic acid) are given to treat hypertriglyceridemia.