Triglycerides are a type of fat that, in the right concentration, is an important source of energy for the body. However, when they become excess in the body, they become dangerous to he alth. Too high levels of triglycerides in the blood can lead to the development of chronic diseases such as heart attack or stroke. When is it worth testing your triglyceride levels? What does their shortage or excess indicate?
Triglycerides (triacylglycerols or triglycerides)are esters of glycerol and fatty acids, transported in the blood by chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). ). The concentration of triglycerides in the blood depends on the supply in the diet, internal synthesis in the body and the speed of their transformation. Toohigh triglyceride levelscan be dangerous to your he alth.
Triglycerides - functions in the body
Triglycerides are formed from free fatty acids, mainly in the liver, which come from the transformation of carbohydrates from food or lipolysis of triglycerides in adipose tissue. After leaving the intestine into the blood, the triglycerides are transported by chylomicrons to the muscles, where they are then converted into energy.
In the event of an excessive supply of calories, the excess triglycerides are stored in adipose tissue, where they are the body's energy store, e.g. during hunger or between meals. In addition, triglycerides also have building functions and are part of cell membranes.
Triglycerides - what is the test?
Triglyceride testing is performed from venous blood taken from the elbow bend. The test should be performed on an empty stomach, as a meal increases the level of triglycerides in the blood. It is also recommended not to radically change your eating habits a few days before the test.
In the laboratory, triglycerides are determined using automated photometric methods. These methods represent free glycerol, which is formed during the chemical breakdown of the ester bonds of triglycerides.
Triglycerides - standards
Standards for triglycerides are classified as follows:
- normal concentration: below 150 mg / dl
- concentration limit: 50-199mg / dl
- high concentration: 200-499 mg / dl
- concentrationvery high: above 500 mg / dL
Desired triglyceride levels associated with a low risk of cardiovascular disease should be below 150 mg / dL.
Triglycerides - when to do?
Triglyceride testing is ordered as part of a lipid profile that includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol in addition to triglycerides. Prophylactic triglyceride testing should be performed once a year. Triglyceride testing should be performed regularly at:
- men over 40
- women over 50
- people with an incorrect diet
- smokers
- chronically stressed people
- alcohol abusers
- physically inactive people
- people with hypertension
- obese people
- people with metabolic syndrome
- people with thyroid diseases
- people with kidney problems
- people with inflammatory diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes
- in people with a genetic predisposition to high triglyceride levels
Triglycerides - excess
Too high triglyceride levels may indicate:
- excessive intake of triglycerides with diet
- increased supply of carbohydrates and alcohol
- increased hepatic triglyceride biosynthesis following:
- congenital hyperlipoproteinemia types I, IIb, III, IV and V
- uncontrolled type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- of nephrotic syndrome
- psoriasis
- pancreatitis
- acute alcoholism
- chronic renal failure
- of starvation
- hyperinsulinism
- obesity
- slow burning of triglycerides, e.g. in hypothyroidism
It's good to know that elevated triglycerides can also be a consequence of insulin resistance.
Triglycerides - deficiency
Too low triglyceride levels may indicate:
- low intake of triglycerides with the diet, e.g. in malnutrition
- loss of triglycerides with faeces e.g. in malabsorption syndrome, chronic pancreatitis
- impaired synthesis of triglycerides, e.g. in liver diseases
- excessive burning of triglycerides, e.g. in hyperthyroidism
Triglycerides - how to lower their level?
Increased blood triglyceride levels are a marker of increased risk of coronary heart disease. Therefore, their excess in the blood should be lowered as soon as possible through appropriate lifestyle changes, and also in selected casespharmacotherapy.
The effect on lowering blood triglycerides has been documented:
- Reduction of excess body weight
Losing excess pounds improves the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, which translates into a decrease in triglyceride levels.
- Moderate alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumed in excess (over 10-30 g / day) significantly increases the concentration of triglycerides in the blood. If your triglyceride levels are too high, minimize your alcohol consumption.
- Reduce consumption of simple sugars
Excessive supply of simple sugars (contained, among others, in sweetened juices, drinks, jams and preserves, cakes and pastries) significantly translates into an increase in the level of triglycerides in the blood.
If the triglyceride level is too high, the best results in reducing them are achieved by using food products with a low glycemic index (e.g. raw vegetables, thick groats, oat bran, fish).
- Regular physical activity
Physical activity improves the tissue sensitivity to insulin and helps maintain a he althy body weight. Exercise should be done regularly, preferably daily.
- Triglycerides - blood test norms
- Lipid profile: cholesterol testing - LDL, HDL and triglycerides
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia (hyperlipidemia): causes, symptoms and treatment
Author: Time S.A
Remember that a properly selected diet will lower the concentration of "bad" cholesterol and help in the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Take advantage of JeszCoLubisz - the innovative dietary system of the He alth Guide and enjoy an individually selected plan and constant care of a dietitian. Take care of your he alth and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke.
Find out more