Most ldl cholesterol assessments will normally measure triglycerides, howeverthey aren’t a type of cholesterol. However, triglycerides are associated to the 2 forms of ldl cholesterol: LDL and HDL. Like ldl cholesterol, triglycerides are forms of lipids (or fat) that journey by the blood to carry out important capabilities within the physique. And, like LDL ldl cholesterol, excessive ranges of triglycerides can pose dangers to coronary heart well being.
We reached out to New York heart specialist and member of the HealthyWomen Girls’s Well being Advisory Council Nieca Goldberg, M.D., to speak about what we are able to do to handle excessive triglycerides.
How do excessive ranges of triglycerides have an effect on my danger of coronary heart assault or stroke?
A typical lipid panel measures ranges of whole ldl cholesterol in addition to triglycerides, however this quantity is usually missed. It shouldn’t be, as a result of excessive ranges of triglycerides elevate the danger of coronary heart assault and stroke by selling atherosclerosis — the build-up of ldl cholesterol and inflammatory components — within the partitions of the blood vessels that offer blood to the guts muscle. Very excessive triglycerides are additionally related to irritation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which is one other vital cause to maintain triglycerides in examine.
How do I do know if I’ve excessive triglycerides?
There are not any signs in case you have excessive triglycerides. So, step one is to get a lipid panel and ask about your triglyceride stage. Borderline excessive ranges are above 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), excessive ranges are larger than 200 mg/dL, and really excessive ranges are above 500 mg/dL.If the extent is greater than 150 mg/dL, discuss to your healthcare supplier about the most effective method to managing cardiovascular danger related to any stage of elevated triglycerides.
Ought to I keep away from sure meals if I’ve excessive triglycerides ranges?
Step one to managing cardiovascular danger related to elevated and excessive triglyceride ranges is to have a look at what you’re consuming. Alcohol, fat, easy carbohydrates and sugars can all elevate your triglycerides. As an alternative of consuming meals which might be excessive in saturated fats, easy sugars and starches, eat a Mediterranean-style eating regimen with advanced carbohydrates — akin to entire grains — and loads of fruits, greens and wholesome fat like omega-3. These are the forms of fat present in fish, olive, canola or avocado oil. Food regimen and train resulting in weight reduction can enhance triglyceride ranges. It’s additionally good to cut back your alcohol consumption.
How can I decrease my triglycerides and my danger of heart problems?
Oftentimes, if triglycerides are mildly elevated, a easy dietary change like consuming extra fish is adequate, together with switching to a nutritious diet and exercising extra. Nevertheless, in case your ranges are reasonable to excessive, your physician could order prescription-strength fish oil or omega-3s, which has increased ranges of omega-3 fatty acids than over-the-counter dietary complement choices. A few of these prescription-strength fish oils comprise omega-3 fatty acids referred to as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and others comprise solely a purified type of EPA referred to as IPE (icosapent ethyl). All of those merchandise will decrease your triglycerides and should lower your danger of pancreatitis, however they don’t all decrease your danger for heart disease, coronary heart assault and stroke. Nevertheless, prescription-strength omega-3 with pure EPA, referred to as IPE, has been confirmed in medical trials to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease when used with statins, medication used to decrease ldl cholesterol.
One other treatment referred to as fibrates can decrease triglycerides, however probably the most generally used fibrates haven’t been proven to decrease the danger of coronary heart assault or stroke.
This instructional useful resource was created with help from Amarin.
From Your Web site Articles
Associated Articles Across the Net
