Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the most common fat type in our body, yet most people don't know how they affect heart health. Many people worldwide have high triglycerides, a silent condition that increases heart disease risk.

These fats serve a specific purpose in our body. Triglycerides store energy from the food we eat. The body converts excess calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells until needed for energy. Doctors consider readings:

• Triglycerides normal range - Levels below 150 mg/dL 
• Triglyceride high levels - Levels between 200-499 mg/dL
• Very high levels - Levels above 500 mg/dL 

An increase in triglyceride levels can harden arteries and thicken artery walls. This condition, called arteriosclerosis, raises stroke, heart attack, and heart disease risks by a lot. Triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dL or higher also indicate metabolic syndrome risk. People with this syndrome face several times higher chances of heart attacks or strokes.

Your body won't show obvious signs of high triglycerides, which makes regular monitoring crucial. This condition affects 25% of adults. The biggest cause is excess calorie intake, especially from sugary foods. Lifestyle changes & medical treatments can help control triglyceride levels.

What are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the simple building blocks of fatty tissue. Triglycerides are made up of three fatty acid chains linked by a glycerol molecule. These lipids act as your body's main energy reserve and are safely stored in fat cells throughout your body.

Dietary fats contain 95% triglycerides. Your body breaks down food fats into fatty acids after meals and reassembles them into triglycerides for energy storage. Hormones release these stored fats between meals to power your body. Your liver can also turn excess carbohydrates into triglycerides.

Symptoms of High Triglycerides

High triglyceride levels rarely show noticeable symptoms. Very high levels may cause:

• Skin reddening and damage
• Abdominal pain from enlarged liver and spleen
• Memory loss
• Creamy-white discolouration of retinal vessels (lipemia retinalis)

Causes of High Triglycerides

Common triggers include:

• Excess calorie intake (especially from sugary or carb-rich foods)
• Obesity 
• Lack of physical activity
• Too much alcohol
• Pregnancy
• Metabolic syndrome
• Medical conditions like diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease and thyroid problems often raise triglyceride levels.
• Some medications like diuretics, beta-blockers or immunosuppressant drugs might cause fluctuation in triglyceride levels.

Complications of Triglycerides

The following are common side effects of triglycerides:

• Triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL raise the risk of acute pancreatitis, a painful pancreas inflammation. 
• High triglycerides contribute to artery hardening and increase the chances of a heart attack and stroke.
• High triglycerides also increase the risk of fat buildup in the liver or pancreas.

Risk of Triglycerides

South Asian ancestry and inherited lipid metabolism disorders carry higher risks. On top of that, pregnancy, menopause, HIV, and certain medications can raise triglyceride levels.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose high triglycerides with a lipid panel blood test. You will need to fast for 8-12 hours before the test to get accurate results. Your levels are normal if they stay below 150 mg/dL. Readings between 150-199 mg/dL signal borderline high levels. Most adults should get tested every 5 years. 

People with risk factors need more frequent tests. Your doctor might order an apolipoprotein B test for a full picture if your triglycerides are borderline high.

Treatment

Medications become necessary if lifestyle changes don't work. Here are your options:

• Statins - these target cholesterol but can reduce triglycerides 
• Fibrates 
• Omega-3 fatty acids - prescription-strength fish oil brings down levels effectively.
• Niacin - this can decrease triglycerides 

When to See a Doctor

You should see your physician right away if tests show very high triglyceride levels (above 500 mg/dL). These levels raise your risk of pancreatitis. Anyone who has unexplained abdominal pain with high triglycerides needs immediate medical care.

Prevention of Low or High Triglycerides

You can keep healthy triglyceride levels with: 

• Stay Moving – Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking, cycling, or any activity that keeps you moving. 
• Eat Smart – Include whole grains, veggies, fruits, lean meat, and good fats in your meals.
• Keep Your Weight in Check – Losing even a small amount of extra weight can help reduce triglycerides.
• Watch Your Alcohol – Avoid or limit your alcohol consumption, because alcohol can increase triglyceride levels.
• Reduce Sugary Foods – Stay away from sugary snacks, soft drinks, and refined carbs like white bread and donuts.

Natural Ways to Lower Triglycerides

• Omega-3-rich fish like salmon and mackerel help reduce your triglyceride levels naturally. 
• High-fibre foods work better than trans fats for improved readings. 
• Switching to olive oil or canola oil from saturated fats helps. 
• Fish oil supplements might help maintain healthy triglyceride levels. You should talk to your doctor before taking them.

Conclusion

Triglycerides play an important role in how the body stores energy, but their impact on heart health often stays overlooked. High triglycerides harm arteries and increase the risk of severe heart issues for many. About one in four adults face this condition, yet most realise it when other health problems start to appear.

Here's some good news. You don't need complicated medical treatments to lower triglycerides. Small changes in how you live can help a lot. Cutting down on sugary snacks, eating fish rich in omega-3s, and exercising for 30 minutes can improve your levels.

A healthy triglyceride level does more than prevent heart disease. This method helps to improve health by encouraging good eating habits and exercise. Your investment in controlling triglycerides today leads to a healthier tomorrow.

FAQs

1. What level of triglycerides is dangerous?

Your triglyceride levels fall into these risk categories:

• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL
• High: 200-499 mg/dL
• Very high: 500 mg/dL or above

Levels above 200 mg/dL boost your heart attack and stroke risk. Values over 500 mg/dL can trigger acute pancreatitis. 

2. What is the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol?

These blood lipids play different roles in your body. Triglycerides store extra calories as energy reserves. Your body uses cholesterol to build cells & certain hormones. Triglycerides provide energy while cholesterol helps you digest food and absorb fat.

3. Are triglycerides worse than cholesterol?

Both fats can harm your health when elevated. High triglycerides combined with high LDL or low HDL cholesterol create a much higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. These fats affect your body differently but both contribute to heart problems.

4. How long does it take to lower triglycerides?

You will see changes within a month of making lifestyle changes. Your levels can drop by more than 50% through diet changes, exercise, and weight loss. Taking omega-3 supplements might show results in just four weeks.

5. Can stress cause high triglycerides?

Stress releases cortisol and adrenaline, which make your body produce more triglycerides. Research links stressful life events to higher triglyceride levels, especially in middle-aged men. Mental stress can lift LDL levels and lower good HDL cholesterol.

Dr. Sunil Kumar Sharma

MBBS, MD, DNB
CARE CHL Hospitals, Indore

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