Introduction:
Triglycerides are formed by digested and absorbed fat in your food (such as: dairy products, meat and cooking oil) and can also be made in the body.
You'll have to fast for 12 hours before blood can be drawn for an accurate triglyceride measurement as follows:
Category
| Triglyceride Level
|
Ideal
| Less than 100 milligrams per deciliter mg/dL))
|
Normal
| 101-150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
|
Borderline high
| 150-199 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
|
High
| 200-499 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
|
Very high
| 500 mg/dL and above
|
The high triglyceride rate of more than 149 mg/dl is associated with high triglyceride syndrome (the increase in low-density lipoprotein "LDL"), and the increase in the high-density lipoprotein "HDL" is caused by insulin resistance. On the other hand, the increased level of HDL and decreased level of LDL is a risk factor for coronary artery syndrome, and then hardening of arteries (arteriosclerosis), which increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and heart disease.
Difference between Triglyceride and Cholesterol:
They are two different types of lipids that circulate in your blood. Triglycerides store unused calories and provide your body with energy, while cholesterol is used to build cells and certain hormones.
Causes of High Triglycerides:
- Family history of high cholesterol or triglycerides.
- Obesity.
- Taking a lot of fatty and sugary foods.
- Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
- An underactive thyroid hormones.
- Some liver and kidney diseases.
- Side effects of certain medications (such as: birth control pill, steroids, etc.).
- Having metabolic syndrome.
Treatment:
If changing lifestyle is not enough to control triglycerides, your doctor may recommend appropriate medications.
You should take medication as prescribed by the doctor, in addition to improving your healthy lifestyle and diet.
Prevention:
- Maintain healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet low in calories.
- Avoid sugary and refined foods.
- Eat fish instead of red meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Is there a specific age for checking triglycerides?
- Yes, global studies recommend to do screening after 35 years of age or above for men, 45 years or above for women, and between the age of 20-35 for heart patients.
- What are benefits of triglycerides?
- They are source of energy for all body cells, needed by the body to make hormones and cell structure, and they are necessary for cell functions.
Misconceptions:
Using black seed increases the level of triglycerides?
Truth: The active ingredient in black cumin seed oil (thymoquinone) leads to a low level of homocysteine, the hormone that causes high triglycerides.