What are Triglycerides and why do they Matter?
Although high cholesterol is a form of heart disease that people are familiar with, high triglyceride levels can also be harmful. What are triglycerides? WebMD states that “triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. They are a major source of energy and the most common type of fat in your body”. While we need triglycerides in our bodies to function, high levels of the fat can be harmful. “When triglyceride levels are high, it is not clear whether these high levels directly increase your risk for heart disease. But high triglycerides are often part of a group of conditions called metabolic syndrome”.
North Shore Hospitals’ recent women and heart disease live chat, gave insight into some of the keys of high triglycerides. Dr. Eileen A. Kelly Hensing’s expertise helped answer several pressing questions on triglycerides.
What is the difference between having high cholesterol and high triglycerides?
Triglycerides are one of the levels measured in a total cholesterol panel, along with the LDL and HDL. You can have high triglycerides while the rest of your panel is normal. High triglycerides might be a sign of or associated with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Would you say that one is worse than the other for High triglycerides vs. high cholesterol?
Yes, while it’s important to strive for optimal levels of HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides, it’s most important to have your LDL at goal first.
What are some recommended lifestyle changes to getting high triglyceride levels under control?
The American Heart Association Web site given earlier has excellent information and recommendations about cholesterol including triglycerides. A good start to dietary changes would include taking all of the “white things” out of your diet and substituting with whole grains (pasta, bread, potatoes). Alcohol can also increase triglycerides so should be used in moderation. i.e. for women one alcoholic beverage a day is the recommendation.
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