Why You Should Know Your Triglyceride Levels ?
Triglycerides, which are sometimes referred to as blood fats, are an important marker of heart health. If your triglyceride levels are too high, you could be at risk of heart disease, so understanding them and knowing your own personal numbers can help ensure that you are taking the right steps to protect your heart’s health and longevity. Here’s what you need to know about triglycerides and their effects on the body!
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Our bodies need LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, to function properly. But too much of it can lead to health problems like heart disease and atherosclerosis (hardening of blood vessels), which is why knowing your levels are important. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) — good cholesterol — actually helps reduce LDL. Doctors recommend that individuals keep their HDL/LDL ratio in check for good health.
Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)
VLDL is one of three types of lipoproteins—lipid-protein complexes that carry various molecules through your bloodstream—and is involved in cholesterol production. When you eat, triglycerides are released into your blood as part of digestion; VLDL and other lipoproteins take up these triglycerides and return them to cells, where they’re converted into useful energy. The more triglycerides in your blood, however, the greater risk you have for developing conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Cholesterol Transport Methods
Cholesterol is carried from one place to another in the blood by means of different types of particles called lipoproteins. When a triglyceride enters a cell, it's acted upon by an enzyme known as phospholipase A2 (PLA2). This enzyme cleaves off one fatty acid, creating what's called a monoglyceride. The remaining portion of cholesterol and monoglycerides are transported through your body as part of LDLs, which contain mainly cholesteryl esters. HDLs can carry both cholesterol and phospolipids (another kind of fat) in what are known as cholesteryl esters and phosphatidylcholine.
Essential Facts About Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs to work properly. But if you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can clog arteries and raise your risk of heart disease, stroke and other problems. High levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol can lead to these problems, while high levels of good (HDL) cholesterol can lower your risk. If you have high triglycerides, which are another kind of fat found in your blood, they may contribute to having a higher total cholesterol level. All three types—total cholesterol, LDL and HDL—are measured when you get tested for triglycerides.
What Do Triglycerides Do?
Simply put, triglycerides are a type of fat in your body. They’re considered a risk factor for heart disease. According to Mayo Clinic, they can build up in your arteries and stiffen them. As they become more and more difficult to pump blood through, it gets harder for your heart to work effectively. With higher levels of triglycerides (specifically above 100 milligrams per deciliter), you have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. And because inflammation can lead to development of atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), keeping triglyceride levels low is critical if you want to stay healthy.
Foods That Are Bad For Your Triglyceride Levels
If you already have elevated triglycerides in your blood, you should avoid eating any of these foods. They will only elevate them further and make it harder for your body to get rid of them. It may also slow down your body’s ability to break down fat into energy. Some people are genetically predisposed to high triglycerides and should avoid alcohol, red meat, and saturated fats as well.
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