Control High Cholesterol

The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.

Why Triglycerides Matter

Reviewed by: Abdou Elhendy, M.D., PhD, FACC, FAHA

Triglycerides are the body’s major form of fat storage. When you consume more calories than you burn, the liver produces triglycerides, which are carried through the bloodstream as very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) — a form of LDL that is especially likely to cling to artery walls and cause blockages.

In recent years, scientists have identified another type of lipoprotein called chylomicrons, which are produced after a fatty meal to transport triglycerides from the intestine to the liver to fat tissue. Chylomicrons are similar in structure to VLDLs and some research indicates that they may also contribute to artery-narrowing, but more study is needed.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) defines normal triglyceride levels as less than 150 mg/dL, while 150 to 199 mg/dL is considered borderline to high and 200 mg/DL is in the danger zone. People who smoke, are obese, sedentary, or consume diets high in calories, simple sugars and alcohol are especially likely to have high triglyceride levels.

A study of nearly 3,000 Danish men found that high triglycerides alone may increase the risk of heart attack almost three times. An Israeli study of more than 11,000 people showed that high triglycerides can lead to ischemic stroke (caused by blocked arteries or blood clots). In addition, high triglycerides can raise total cholesterol by lowering HDLs and increasing LDLs, which can place you at risk for conditions like diabetes and liver or kidney disease.

So, how do you keep your own triglycerides in check? Diet and exercise. The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least five days a week. For diet, try to reduce the saturated fats, cholesterol and simple sugars in your diet and to eliminate trans fat. Replace them with complex carbohydrates and monounsaturated fats such as canola oil, olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon, trout, herring and tuna. The good news: It’s essentially the same lifestyle that will bring your “bad” LDL levels down and your “good” HDL levels up.

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Review date: 06-25-2008