What are triglycerides. Triglycerides: what is it, blood levels, elevated. High levels in the diagnosis of cardiovascular and other diseases.
People who want to stay healthy should not only monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but also control their triglycerides (TG). Exceeding the norm of these lipids increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and diseases of the heart muscle.
What are triglycerides in a biochemical blood test
Triglyceride or trig is a type of fat that the human body obtains from food by converting calories into energy. High triglycerides are not necessarily indicative of heart disease, but they can reduce blood flow to the main muscle, causing serious health problems. People with high cholesterol often have high levels of TG. Checking triglycerides in biochemical analysis blood is carried along with lipid spectrum. This survey determines:
People who smoke or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity may develop atherosclerosis even earlier. Treatment starts with a diet low content saturated fat and cholesterol. When applicable, it is recommended to lose weight, stop smoking and increase physical activity. One or more lipid-lowering drugs are usually required. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In familial combined hyperlipidemia, levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or both may be high. This disorder affects 1 to 2% of people. Lipid levels usually become abnormal after age 30, but sometimes beyond. young age, especially in overweight people who have a diet with a very high content fat or metabolic syndrome.
- total cholesterol level;
- LDL (bad cholesterol);
- HDL (good cholesterol).
What do triglycerides show in a blood test?
Checking the level of fats inside the veins and arteries is part of lipid profile, which determines the presence of heart disease. Triglycerides in a blood test show the possibility of developing hypertension, coronary disease heart, myocardial infarction, etc. For adults, the procedure is recommended every 4-6 years. Children should be tested once before age 10 to determine if there are any congenital anomalies.
Treatment includes limiting fat, cholesterol, and sugar intake, as well as exercise and, when applicable, weight loss. Many people with this disorder must take lipid-lowering drugs. In familial dysbetalipoproteinemia, very-low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high. Oily deposits can form in the skin over the elbows and knees and in the palms of the hands, where they can cause yellow folds. This unusual disorder leads to early development severe atherosclerosis.
Norm of triglycerides
The concentration of lipids in the blood depends on the age, gender and even height of a person. Before undergoing the analysis, a 9-hour fast is recommended. During this period, you can drink only water at room temperature. Sometimes you need to stop taking certain drugs, including ascorbic acid. The results of the analyzes are classified in the following table:
By middle age, atherosclerosis often causes blockage of the coronary and peripheral arteries. Treatment includes achieving and maintaining the recommended body weight and limiting cholesterol, saturated fat, and carbohydrate intake. A lipid-lowering drug is usually required. With treatment, lipid levels can be improved, the progression of atherosclerosis can slow down, and body fat in the skin may decrease or disappear.
Causes of High Triglycerides
In familial hypertriglyceridemia, triglyceride levels are high. This disorder affects about 1% of people. In some families with this disorder, atherosclerosis tends to develop at a young age, while in others it does not. When applicable, weight loss and alcohol restriction often lower triglyceride levels to normal. If these measures are ineffective, the use of a lipid-lowering drug may help. For people who also have diabetes, it is important to control the diabetes.
| adults, | Children and adolescents, (mmol/l) | breastfed babies, (mmol/l) |
|
| triglyceride norm | |||
| slightly exceeded | |||
| extremely high The reason for the increase is another diseaseIn people with a genetic disorder that causes high triglyceride levels, certain disorders and substances can increase triglyceride levels to extremely high levels. Examples of disorders include poorly controlled diabetes and kidney dysfunction. Examples of substances include excessive alcohol consumption and the use of certain medications that increase triglyceride levels. Symptoms may include fatty deposits in the skin on the front of the legs and back of the arms, an enlarged spleen and liver, abdominal pain, and reduced sensation to touch due to nerve damage. |
Causes of an increase in triglycerides in the blood
Triglycerides are elevated - what does it mean? This fact can be called various diseases. These include:
- obesity;
- diabetes;
- atherosclerosis;
- hypothyroidism;
- kidney disease;
- hereditary lipid disorders.
There are other reasons for the increase in triglycerides in the blood:
This disorder can cause pancreatitis, which is sometimes fatal. Limiting fat intake can help prevent nerve damage and pancreatitis. Losing weight and not drinking alcohol can also help. Lipid-lowering drugs can be effective.
Secondary causes contribute to many cases of dyslipidemia and include the following. Consumption of a diet high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
- Having diabetes or some other disorder.
- Physically inactive consumption a large number alcohol.
- Use of certain medications.
- binge eating;
- frequent use of alcohol;
- wrong way of life;
- receiving such medical preparations like corticosteroids, beta-blockers, oral contraceptives.
What does high triglycerides mean?
An increase in lipids can be a sign of the above diseases. Often, a person may not realize they are at risk until they will be examined. Elevated triglycerides mean that the patient must follow a diet that will help normalize his blood condition and lower cholesterol. It also indicates that there is a risk of cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis.
Another person may be on a strict low-fat diet while total cholesterol does not fall below a high level. This difference appears to be largely genetically determined. A person's genetic make-up affects the rate at which the body produces, uses, and disposes of these fats. Also, body type does not always predict cholesterol levels. Some overweight people have low level cholesterol, and some thin people have a high level. Consuming excess calories can lead to high triglyceride levels, as can consume large amounts of alcohol.
Elevated blood triglycerides in men
In the stronger sex, the level of TG is always a little higher than in the weak. Elevated triglycerides in the blood in men can occur due to smoking, constant drinking, overeating, frequent stress. After receiving the results of the tests, you should definitely consult a doctor and undergo a course of treatment.
Some overweight people have low cholesterol and some thin people have high cholesterol. Body type does not predict cholesterol levels. . Some disorders cause an increase in lipid levels. Diabetes that is poorly controlled or chronic illness kidneys, may lead to an increase in total cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Some liver diseases and insufficient thyroid can lead to an increase in total cholesterol levels.
Decreased triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat that is converted from any extra calories that we don't use right away. Mostly from the fats and carbohydrates we eat, triglyceride stores are used for energy between meals, but when we take in more than we burn, that's when the problem arises.
Elevated triglycerides in women
When it comes to high lipid levels, women are more at risk than men. Elevated triglycerides in women may occur:
- during the reception birth control pills which include the hormone estrogen;
- during pregnancy;
- with polycystic ovaries;
- during menopause;
- with hormonal disorders;
- infertility.
Triglycerides are elevated during pregnancy
An increase in maternal blood lipids during fetal development is not uncommon. In many pregnant women, cholesterol levels rise during this period, and this is normal, which cannot be said about triglycerides. Future mother you will have to reduce the consumption of foods rich in TG so that the indicators are normal. If triglycerides are elevated during pregnancy, this does not mean that the development of the fetus occurs with deviations. Often the reason for such a test result is a simple overeating, a change in hormonal levels.
Although cholesterol and fat are important for the body, it is normally necessary, as high levels increase the risk serious problems health, especially cardiovascular diseases. National educational program on cholesterol developed guidelines for normal level triglycerides.
Causes and symptoms of high triglycerides
The most common cause of high triglycerides is uncontrolled diabetes. Being overweight or obese, eating a lot of carbohydrates or sugar, consuming large amounts of alcohol, having hypothyroidism, kidney disease, certain hereditary lipid disorders, and being treated with estrogen to treat menopausal symptoms can raise triglyceride levels. High triglycerides can also be a symptom of a metabolic disorder such as diabetes and stroke.
Triglycerides are elevated in a child
What does an increase in triglycerides indicate? The most common reasons are listed below:
- obesity and overweight;
- poor nutrition;
- consumption harmful products(chips, fast food, sweets);
- hereditary genetic anomalies.
When triglycerides are elevated in a child, it becomes more difficult to solve the problem. It can be difficult for children to explain why their parents refuse them the usual things. You should force the baby or teenager to eat healthy food, take fish oil. Parents will have to carefully monitor the diet of the child, his physical activity. In addition, you should consult a doctor and carry out comprehensive examination organism.
Other causes of high triglycerides
Generally, high triglycerides do not show any symptoms, but if they are caused by a genetic disorder, you can develop fatty deposits under the skin. Some medicines used to treat other conditions may increase high triglyceride levels as part of their side effects.
Rare Causes of High Triglycerides
Beta-blockers: a commonly prescribed drug for treatment blood pressure, pain in chest and heart rhythm problems. Diuretics: Used to lower blood pressure, allowing the body to get rid of more fluid. Some medical conditions and conditions can cause high triglyceride levels, but they are not a common trigger like some of the more well-known causes.
Treating high triglycerides
The best way get rid of triglyceridemia - stick to healthy lifestyle life. If triglycerides in the blood are elevated, they can be lowered by following these steps:
- You need to exercise regularly, give the body physical activity.
- It is worth sticking to a diet: limit the intake of unhealthy fats, eat foods rich in fiber.
- You should give up alcohol.
- Quit smoking.
Treatment for elevated triglycerides does not end there. Sometimes you need to take the following medications:
As the name suggests, this condition is met in families with members who have abnormal lipoprotein levels. high density, low density lipoproteins and triglycerides. Pregnancy: Triglyceride levels are elevated in pregnant mothers and tend to peak during the third trimester. However, after giving birth, most women experience a return to normal levels.
Liver disease: Liver plays important role in the processing of fats. If it is compromised in some way, such as in the case of fatty liver disease, overproduction and accumulation of fat in the liver cells can occur. This leads to excessive amounts of inflammation and even death if not treated. Proper liver function can be impaired by alcoholism, malnutrition, pregnancy, poisoning, diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and lupus.
- statins (they are also prescribed for high levels of ldl in the blood);
- nicotinic acid;
- fibrates (cannot be taken with statins).
Diet for high blood triglycerides
Proper Diet nutrition is a very significant factor that allows you to quickly reduce cholesterol and TG levels. Start by reducing your calorie intake to allowable rate. It is better to use all the described methods in combination to get rid of the risk of heart disease. Diet at elevated triglycerides in the blood includes the use of the following products:
High triglycerides and cholesterol: What's the difference?
Your body needs a certain amount of fat to contribute to its cellular structure and metabolic function. The term "fat" is broad and refers to several various forms that your body creates or receives from food. Triglycerides are one of the forms the body produces to store excess energy from your diet. Cholesterol is produced by the body, but it can also be obtained from food. It is used to produce cells and hormones.
Treatment options for high triglycerides
You need balanced cholesterol and triglyceride levels to maintain good cardiovascular health. Here are some tips to lower your triglyceride levels. Cut Sugar - The American Heart Association recommends that only 5 percent of your daily calories come from added sugar. Limit fructose – fructose is a type of sugar that can help raise triglyceride levels. It is believed that the use of a moderately low-fat diet is moderate low fat diet is more effective at lowering triglyceride levels than a strict low-fat diet. Avoid saturated and trans fats and, for example, eat more of the monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats commonly found in olive oil. Increase your fish intake - try salmon and sardines. Exercise Limit alcohol. Take triglyceride-lowering medications as needed and recommended by your doctor. Quit smoking. Control your diabetes if you have it.
- Lose weight.
- Increase your fiber intake.
- whole grain cereals;
- vegetables, fruits;
- lean meat in moderation;
- low-fat dairy products;
- polyunsaturated fats (these are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids found in red fish, linseed oil, nuts);
- monounsaturated fats (avocado, olive oil).
- fatty meat products;
- refined sugar (it is better to use artificial sweeteners);
- flour products;
- legumes;
- alcohol;
- canned food;
- sweets and honey.
After a few months of such treatment, the level of TG and cholesterol should return to normal. The main evidence of this will be weight loss and improved well-being. However, the patient will have to undergo another examination and donate blood for analysis. Perhaps the doctor will advise him to continue following the above diet, give the body moderate physical activity, give up bad habits.
Ways to lower triglycerides in the blood
An unhealthy diet translates into high amounts of cholesterol in the blood, which means that the arteries get filled with plaque and narrow over time until one of them becomes too narrow for blood to flow, leading to heart attack. The process leading to a heart attack is called atherosclerosis.
Extra Fat Diet Didn't Cause Heart Disease in Your Dog, But Probably Still Not the Most best idea. In this way, dogs can contract cardiovascular disease, but this is very rare. Unlike humans, dogs naturally have very little "bad" cholesterol in their blood and nearly all "good" cholesterol, so they have the advantage from the outset to have a lower risk of developing atherosclerosis than we do. Instead, four out of five cases of heart disease in dogs are due to deterioration of the valves that control the flow of blood between the four chambers of the heart.
Video: triglyceride analysis
The blood test form may indicate that triglycerides are elevated.
People who closely monitor their health immediately have a lot of questions: what does this mean, what treatment is required, why did this deviation appear at all and how dangerous is it? The article will help fill the gap in knowledge.
After reading it, you will know everything you need to understand what processes in the body caused an increase in triglycerides and what to do in such cases.
Triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids are the three main groups of fats found in human blood. Normally, the total concentration of lipids in the blood is 4.7 - 7.0 g / l.
Exceeding the norm is most often the result of eating. If the blood was donated on an empty stomach, and lipids are elevated, then the deviation from the norm may be a symptom of hepatitis, diabetes, renal diseases occurring with edema, or hereditary disorders of lipid metabolism.
Triglycerides are simple lipids made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Phospholipids are more complex; their molecule contains a phosphoric acid residue. Cholesterol is an intermediate substance between fats and waxes.
All three classes of lipids are important for the body. They perform a variety of functions, including serving as a building material in the synthesis of hormones and bile.
AT recent times analysis for total lipids practically do not do because of the low information content of this study. The lipid test has been replaced by tests for specific fats, including triglycerides.
Triglycerides are neutral fats, which is a compound of alcohol and fatty acid. TG enter the body with food or are themselves synthesized in the liver from carbohydrates.
Triglycerides are the main source of energy. They play an important role in cell metabolism, being a source of energy for cells, participate in the synthesis of phospholipids, and are excreted from the liver together with PL molecules. Triglycerides are transported in the bloodstream by special particles - lipoproteins.
Triglycerides are found in vegetable oils and animal fats. Excess triglycerides are stored in the body as adipose tissue.
During periods when the body lacks energy, neutral fats from reserves are broken down, releasing water, glycerin and energy.
Table 1. Serum triglyceride levels (mg/dl)
| Years | Men | Women |
| up to 5 | 31 – 87 | 31 – 98 |
| 5 – 12 | 30 – 107 | 36 – 115 |
| 12 – 15 | 37 – 137 | 42 – 139 |
| 15– 20 | 41 – 164 | 41 – 129 |
| 20 – 30 | 45 – 186 | 41 – 129 |
| 30 – 40 | 48 – 283 | 39 – 161 |
| 40 – 50 | 55 – 297 | 45 – 190 |
| 50 – 60 | 63 – 289 | 53 – 250 |
| Over 60 | are going down | are going down |
The figures indicated are indicative. Each laboratory has its own reference values, depending on the degree of accuracy of reagents and apparatus. The patient should not independently conclude that he has elevated triglycerides - this is the task of the doctor.
What can raise triglycerides?
Triglycerides are elevated in people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle, overeat, abuse alcohol, love fatty and sweet foods, and the elderly. In addition, those who are treated are at risk. hormonal drugs.
In women, triglyceride levels are often higher than normal due to the use of oral contraceptives.
Ladies protecting themselves unwanted pregnancy hormonal drugs, and "cores" taking beta-blockers should check from time to time to see if their triglycerides are elevated.
If a blood test reveals that triglycerides are still elevated, then you need to pick up a new medicine together with your doctor.
The amount of triglycerides in the blood can increase in a woman during pregnancy.
In addition, the concentration of triglycerides can increase:
- alcoholism;
- cirrhosis;
- pancreatitis;
- kidney failure;
- hypertension;
- heart attack;
- thrombosis;
- diabetes;
- Down syndrome;
- anorexia.
The concentration of lipids is controlled by pancreatic hormones, therefore, in case of deviations from the norm, it is worth checking how well this organ copes with its functions.
Smoking can increase triglycerides, especially if a person leads a sedentary lifestyle.
To normalize high blood fat levels, you need to get rid of nicotine addiction and start going to the gym or at least increase daily physical exercise.
There are conditions in which the amount of triglycerides, on the contrary, decreases.
- COPD;
- heart attack;
- increase thyroid gland;
- malnutrition;
- destruction of the hepatic parenchyma.
Fats are reduced below normal as a result of taking a large amount ascorbic acid, fish oil, in people with injuries and burns.
Normal triglyceride levels may decrease after long-term use of chromium supplements. This element of the periodic table takes an important part in lipid metabolism.
With a deficiency of chromium, atherosclerosis develops. Patients who require treatment for atherosclerosis are often prescribed drugs containing chromium.
Changes in the amount of triglycerides are reflected in the viscosity of the blood. Lipids are able to increase or decrease plasma density by changing the mechanical properties of red blood cells.
An increase in triglycerides in the blood leads to an increase in plasma viscosity and, consequently, to problems with the cardiovascular system.
There are foreign studies, according to which the level of triglycerides over 100 mg / dl is a "trigger" for the development of vascular atherosclerosis.
An increase in the concentration of triglycerides is also dangerous because in this state the balance between “bad” and “good” cholesterol is disturbed.
For vascular health, it is important that the ratio of cholesterol is correct, and the total fat level is just above 200 mg / dl. Unfortunately, there are few people with such ideal parameters blood.
Ways to lower triglycerides in the blood
Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood indicate the risk of coronary heart disease. When the level of triglycerides rises to 500 mg / dl, doctors speak of severe hypertriglyceridemia.
A figure above 500 mg/dl means severe hypertriglyceridemia. Together with triglycerides, cholesterol always rises, in particular prebeta-cholesterol, which is abbreviated VLDL-C in the lipid blood test form.
The optimal level of triglycerides in the blood is 1.8 mmol / l. People who take care of their of cardio-vascular system, should tend to this value.
If the level of triglycerides is elevated due to overeating, then you will have to go on a diet and give up bad habits.
In addition to fats, the menu reduces the amount simple carbohydrates, that is, products containing protein and refined sugar.
In addition, it is highly desirable to increase physical activity. What does it mean? Don't worry, you won't have to sign up for a sports section and set records.
If the level of fat is elevated, then ordinary physical education will be enough to lower it. Suitable walks at a fast pace, half an hour of morning exercises, short bike rides.
By combining a low-fat diet and physical activity, you can quickly and safely eliminate elevated level fats in the bloodstream and protect your blood vessels from sclerotic plaques.
After a few months of dieting, you need to check the blood again. Most likely, the analysis will show a decrease in neutral fats.
This means that you are on the right track. If dieting and physical education did not affect the amount of lipids in the blood, then the doctor may prescribe drug therapy.
People who have elevated levels of neutral fats can use remedies to treat traditional medicine: lemon juice, beetroot juice, tinctures of St. John's wort, yarrow, arnica.
Particular attention should be paid to the increase in neutral fats in children. The anomaly is usually caused by excess weight child, but the increase may be the result of a thyroid disease or a congenital pathology of lipid metabolism.
A child who has elevated blood fat levels should undergo a comprehensive examination. To normalize blood parameters, a child is recommended a diet and taking fish oil. Children over 10 years of age who, after six months of dieting, triglycerides remain elevated, are prescribed statins.
Medical therapy
Drugs to normalize elevated lipid levels should not be taken on their own, they are prescribed by a doctor.
If neutral fats are elevated, then the therapist may prescribe:
- fibrates;
- statins;
- nicotinic acid.
The active substance of fibrates are derivatives of fibric acid: fenofibrate, bezafibrate or ciprofibrate. Fibrates are used to treat people with atherosclerosis.
The drugs raise the level good cholesterol and reduce the concentration of alimentary lipids.
This class of drugs should be used with caution in people with kidney failure, since most fibrates are metabolized in the kidneys.
Statins are prescribed for people with stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, and the elderly.
These medicines purify the blood by blocking the enzyme needed for the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.
The most powerful drugs in this group are Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin. Natural statin found in red rice.
If, after the start of taking statins, pain in the muscles or abdomen begins, rashes appear on the body, then treatment should be stopped.
Such symptoms indicate the development of a special damage. skeletal muscle- rhabdomyolysis, caused by elevated levels of statins in the blood.
Statin drugs are contraindicated in people with liver disease, lactating and pregnant women, or those who are just about to conceive.
People taking statins should avoid grapefruits and grapefruit juice from the menu.
Nicotinic acid is not a medicine, but a vitamin that can be used to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia. Nicotinic acid is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women.
people with diseases gastric tract should take the drug with caution, as the acid irritates the mucous membranes.
Natural nicotinic acid is found in rye bread, beets, buckwheat, meat, organ meats and mushrooms.
Nicotinic acid regulates metabolic processes, improves carbohydrate metabolism, dilates blood vessels, including those of the brain, removes toxins from the body, and reduces the content of neutral acids and lipoproteins.
If blood fats are elevated, then nicotinic acid is taken at a dosage of 3-4 g per day. Elevated doses of the vitamin can lead to the appearance of pellagra.
Doctors have a saying that a person is actually as old as his vessels are young.
Therefore, people who monitor their health should from time to time take a test for the content of triglycerides in the blood and make sure that this indicator is not elevated.