🚨 Are your triglyceride levels on the rise? Discover the silent danger lurking in your bloodstream and learn how simple lifestyle changes can protect your heart! ❤️ #HeartHealth #Triglycerides #WellnessJourney

Triglycerides often get less attention than cholesterol, but they play a crucial role in our overall health.

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. Some triglycerides are made in the body. Others come from foods you eat. When the body has extra calories (triglycerides is not just from fatty/oily food!) from food, the calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells.

What are the dangers of high triglycerides?

Having high triglycerides can put you at a higher risk for:

• Heart problems, including heart disease and heart attack
• Stroke
• Inflammation of the pancreas – The pancreas is an organ that makes hormones and fluids to help the body break down food. When the pancreas is inflamed, it can lead to other serious health problems.

What should my triglyceride level be?

Ask your doctor or nurse what your triglyceride level should be. In general, levels are:

• Normal – Less than 150 mg/dL. (Less than 1.7 mmol/L.)
• A little high – 150 to 499 mg/dL (1.7 to 5.6 mmol/L).
• Moderately high – 500 to 999 mg/dL (5.6 to 11.3 mmol/L).
• Very high – Greater than 1000 mg/dL (>11.3 mmol/L).

How do I prepare for a triglyceride test?

A triglyceride test is usually measured as part of another blood test called a “lipid panel.” This measures the amounts of triglycerides and other fats, such as cholesterol, in the blood.

You need to get a “blood draw.” Your doctor might tell you to avoid eating or drinking anything besides water for 8 to 12 hours before the test. You should also avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test.

It might help to wear a short-sleeve shirt to your blood draw appointment. This makes it easier for the person drawing your blood to get to your arm.

Should I take medicine to lower my triglycerides?

Not everyone who has high triglycerides needs to take medicine to lower them. Your doctor will decide if you need medicine. It depends on how high your triglycerides are and your age, family history, and other health concerns.

Medicines can include:

• Statins – Many people with high triglycerides also have high LDL cholesterol. Medicines called statins lower LDL cholesterol levels and can reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
• Medicines to lower triglyceride levels – These include fenofibrate, fish oil or rarely, nicotinic acid.

Can I lower my triglycerides without medicines?

Yes, you might be able to lower high triglycerides if you:

• Lose weight (if you have excess body weight) – Your doctor or nurse can help you do this in a healthy way.
• Get regular exercise.
• Make healthy diet changes – For example, you can:
  • Avoid foods and drinks with a lot of sugar and carbohydrates. These include white bread, fruit juice, soda, and sweets.
  • Limit red meat, butter, fried foods, cheese, oils, and nuts.
  • Eat fish that contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, herring, or anchovies.
• Manage your blood sugar – If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range can help lower your triglycerides.
• Limit alcohol – This generally means no more than 2 drinks a day for males, and no more than 1 drink a day for females. If your triglycerides are over 500 mg/dL, ask your doctor if it is safe to drink alcohol.

Conclusion

High triglycerides may not be as well-known as cholesterol, but they are just as important for maintaining heart health. By understanding what causes high triglyceride levels and implementing lifestyle changes, you can take proactive steps towards better health. If you have concerns about your triglyceride levels or overall heart health, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Reference: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hypertriglyceridemia-in-adults-management?search=hypertriglyceridemia&sectionRank=3&usage_type=default&anchor=H302377&source=machineLearning&selectedTitle=1~150&display_rank=1#H19