Dangerous triglycerides

As much as 95% of all the fats we eat are triglycerides (triacylglycerols). They are essential in our diet and should provide about 30% of the daily energy requirement.

The fate of triglycerides in the body

They are transported to the adipose tissue, where they can be stored, and to the muscles, where they are a source of energy, by chylomicrons, a specific fraction of lipoproteins, after absorption from the intestine into the blood. The liver also manufactures triglycerides for the body’s needs. They enter the bloodstream with cholesterol particles as very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).

Safe level Tryglycerides

Doctors consider a triglyceride (TG) level below 150 mg/dL to be desirable. However, TG concentrations were more precisely determined for each sex :

• in men – 40-160 mg / dl,
• in women – 35-135 mg/dl.

Why so dangerous?

Excessive total cholesterol levels have been linked to the development of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of ischemic heart disease, including death, to an equal or even greater extent than elevated total cholesterol levels. As a result, triglycerides are regarded as dangerous fats that should be avoided at all costs.

Reasons for the increase in triglycerides

Among the causes of hypertriglyceridemia (TG levels above normal values), most are idiopathic , i.e. factors not determined by scientists. They are probably genetically determined and inherited in the family. Right behind them are:

• excessive body mass – overweight (BMI>25 and obesity BMI>30),
• alcohol abuse,
• diabetes ,
• Hypothyroidism,
• nephrotic syndrome,
• kidney failure,
• inflammation of the pancreas,
• gout,
• pregnancy ,
• medicines used:
    o oral contraception
    o beta blockers
    o diuretics (thiazides)

How to reduce the level of tryglycerides?

The consumption of sweets and alcohol promotes an increase in the amount of triglycerides in the blood. As a result, in order to return them to normal levels, sweets should be avoided, and alcohol should be avoided entirely. Natural fish fats containing omega-3 acids can be used to eliminate excess TG (sea fish, – mackerel, tuna, and salmon). There are also drugs that effectively reduce the amount of these lipids, but their use is at the discretion of the doctor.

Chylomicronemia

Triglyceride levels in the blood that are extremely high (>500 mg/dl) may be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain. This condition puts you at risk of developing acute pancreatitis, a potentially fatal disease. This condition is known as chylomicronemia. Excess chylomicrons in the serum cause the sick person’s blood to be milky (just like lymph). Chylomicrons should be broken down within an hour of a meal in a healthy person, and their presence in the blood should be absent.

Attention! The above advice is only a suggestion and should not be used in place of consulting a specialist. Remember, if you have any health concerns, you should always consult a doctor!