What’s The Difference Between Cholesterol And Triglycerides

What Is A High Triglyceride Level

High triglycerides can be dangerous to your health. Unfortunately, high triglycerides, like high cholesterol, rarely causes symptoms. Its vital to get routine lipid blood tests to check cholesterol numbers.

Your healthcare provider determines total cholesterol by looking at a combination of triglycerides, HDL and LDL numbers. If your triglycerides and LDL cholesterol are high, but your HDL is low, you have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

For the most accurate reading, you should fast 8 to 12 hours before a lipid blood test. A healthy number for triglycerides is below 150 milligrams per deciliter .

Your healthcare provider classifies high triglyceride levels as:

• Mild: 150-199 mg/dL.
• Severe: Greater than 500 mg/dL.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

If testing shows you have high cholesterol, you may want to ask your doctor these questions at your next visit.

1. What are the dangers of having high cholesterol? Can other problems develop?

2. What could have caused my cholesterol to be too high? Is it inherited?

3. Are there things I can do at home or in my life to reduce my cholesterol?

4. Is medicine necessary? Are there alternative treatments?

5. If medicine is needed, how does the medicine work?

6. How long can I take medicine? What are the side effects? Is long-term use harmful?

7. How can exercise help to lower my cholesterol?

8. Where can I learn more about how to live with high cholesterol?

9. What changes should I make to the way I eat?

10. How often do I need to get my cholesterol level checked?

Show Sources

A Diabetes Risk Factor

Research shows that lowering triglyceride levels may help stave off diabetes, a serious condition that occurs when the body cant make the hormone insulin or use it well.

In a 10-year study of otherwise healthy men, researchers found that those with the lowest triglyceride levels were least likely to develop diabetes. In addition, men with high triglycerides who lowered them with healthy lifestyle changes had a diabetes risk that was similar to those who never had a triglyceride problem at all. The results were true even when controlling for diabetes risk factors such as blood pressure, physical activity, body mass index, family history, and more.

Experts dont fully understand the relationship between triglycerides and diabetes. However, they believe excess triglycerides can increase insulin resistance in some people. This is the bodys inability to use glucose effectively.

Recommended Reading: Does Stress Cause High Cholesterol

Don’t Miss: Is Olive Oil High In Cholesterol

Difference Between Cholesterol And Triglycerides

April 2, 2011 Posted by Dr.Guru

The key difference between cholesterol and triglycerides is that cholesterol is essential to build cells and certain hormones while triglycerides store unused calories and provide us with energy.

Triglycerides and cholesterol are two types of lipids that are important for our life. However, in excess, they may cause health problems. Triglyceride is an ester formed by glycerol and three fatty acids. Cholesterol is different in structure, and it may be synthesized in the liver or taken from dietary cholesterol. Cholesterol is important to produce steroid hormones and cortisol. They are important hormones for human life and function. Cholesterol is also essential in order to maintain cell membrane fluidity.

When To Seek Medical Advice

A high triglyceride level often does not produce any symptoms, so this condition is usually diagnosed during routine blood tests including a lipid panel.

If the patient does not have any medical conditions or bad lifestyle choices, then the doctor usually orders a lipid panel to be done every few years to assess the triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

If the triglyceride levels are detected above the normal range in the lipid panel, then the doctor will usually recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet as the first line of treatment for hypertriglyceridemia. If diet and exercise are not effective in lowering the high triglycerides, then medications, such as fibrates or statins are prescribed.

Also Check: Does Cashew Nut Has Cholesterol

Table 3110percentiles For Plasma Total High

• Increases in dietary cholesterol and fat raise levels of apoprotein E-containing lipoproteins in the plasma of man.Cole TG, Patsch W, Kuisk I, Gonen B, Schonfeld G. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1983 Jun 56:1108-15.
• Heterogeneous properties of intermediate- and low-density lipoprotein subpopulations.Srisawasdi P, Vanavanan S, Rochanawutanon M, Pornsuriyasak P, Tantrakul V, Kruthkul K, Kotani K. Clin Biochem. 2013 Oct 46:1509-15. Epub 2013 Jul 2.
• Review .Sandhofer F. Wien Med Wochenschr. 1994 144:286-90.
• .Bauchart D, Levieux D. Reprod Nutr Dev . 1985 25:243-50.
• Review .

What’s The Difference Between Triglycerides And Cholesterol

Triglycerides and cholesterol are both types of fat in the blood, but theyre not impacted by the same factors.

Cholesterol is mainly affected by the amount of total fat consumed . Meat, butter, cheese and many processed and fried foods can all raise cholesterol levels in the blood.

Triglycerides are a form of stored fat in the blood. High levels of triglycerides can come from eating too many calories even if those calories are not in the form of fat. Any excess calories that are not immediately needed for energy are converted into triglycerides for storage in fat cells. Excess calories from alcohol and sugary foods, along with fat, are particularly troublesome in raising triglyceride levels.

Recommended Reading: When To Start Statins For Cholesterol

Similarities Between Cholesterol And Triglycerides

• Both cholesterol and triglycerides are two types of fat.
• Both cholesterol and triglycerides are produced in the body.
• Both cholesterol and triglycerides circulate through blood with the aid of proteins and lipoproteins.
• The elevated cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Triglycerides And Your Health

As mentioned, the body converts unused calories into triglycerides, which are then stored as fat. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing your body uses those fat stores for energy between meals, according to the Mayo Clinic. But if you regularly eat too many calories, you will have more triglycerides â and therefore more fat â than is healthy.

Robert H. Eckel, MD, professor of medicine, emeritus, at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, former president of the American Heart Association and president of the American Diabetes Association, spoke with LIVESTRONG.com about the complex relationship between triglycerides, obesity and metabolic health. “Two-thirds to three-quarters of people with obesity â categorized as having a body mass index over 30 â will have mild or moderate increases in triglyceride levels metabolic syndrome,” says Dr. Eckel.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that present a greater risk of cardiovascular disease as a group than any one of the conditions on their own, according to the American Heart Association. These conditions include high triglyceride levels, high cholesterol levels, obesity and insulin resistance.

That means if you have overweight but your triglyceride levels are normal, it’s still critical to take charge of your health. Don’t wait for further health conditions to develop.

âRead more:â 11 Simple Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy and Strong

Also Check: How To Reduce High Ldl Cholesterol Levels

Good Cholesterol Vs Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol lipoproteins come in several different types. You may have heard cholesterol referred to as “good” and “bad” cholesterol.

Low-density lipoproteins are considered “bad” cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic. If LDL cholesterol levels are too high, these particles can mix with other substances and build up as plaque in the arteries. Plaque can make the arteries more narrow and rigid, a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can reduce blood flow and may eventually cause a heart attack or stroke, per the Mayo Clinic.

High-density lipoproteins help prevent the buildup of plaque. Per the Mayo Clinic, these “good” cholesterol particles move through the bloodstream and pick up excess LDL cholesterol. The good HDL then returns the bad LDL to the liver for disposal.

It was previously believed that eating cholesterol-rich foods could raise cholesterol levels to an unhealthy level. But a major 2015 report by the USDA Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee says that dietary cholesterol is less of a risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease than previously thought. However, a diet high in fatty foods and carbohydrates âisâ a risk factor for high cholesterol and plaque buildup.

Poor diet, along with a lack of exercise, obesity and cigarette smoking are all major risk factor for high cholesterol, per the Mayo Clinic. Genetics and older age can also be risk factors.

âRead more:â The Truth About How Your Diet Affects Your Cholesterol

Hdl Cholesterol Or Good Cholesterol

The role of HDL lipoproteins is to capture cholesterol molecules that are deposited in the arteries, to transport them to the liver. The latter will then take care of eliminating cholesterol through the digestive tract using the bile.

HDL therefore makes it possible to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, hence the name ofgood cholesterol. It is considered that the HDL cholesterol level must be greater than 0.35 g / L to protect against cardiovascular disease.

Read also : Pollution decreases the level of good cholesterol

Don’t Miss: Can Fish Oil Increase Cholesterol Levels

The Pros And Cons Of Total Cholesterol Hdl Ldl And Triglyceride Testing

Time to get your cholesterol checked. Okay, but which test should you get? Itâs not so simple anymore. Here is a rundown of some of the choices and their pros and cons:

Total cholesterol. This is the simplest and least expensive test. The test doesnât require any sophisticated lab work, either. The simple, do-it-yourself home cholesterol tests measure total cholesterol.

But total cholesterol includes both âgoodâ high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the âbadâ varieties, chiefly low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein . So, if your total cholesterol is in the desirable category, itâs possible that you may have unhealthy levels of HDL and LDL and VLDL . Think of total cholesterol as a first glimpse, a peek. Doctors are not supposed to make any treatment decisions based on this number alone.

Cholesterol levels can be lowered by stress or infection. An injury, cancer, stroke, or heart attack may have the same effect. So, if your cholesterol levels are unusually high or low, your doctor will probably want to repeat the test some weeks later. Abnormal readings may also lead to tests for other medical problems.

HDL cholesterol. HDL wins its laurels as the âgoodâ cholesterol because it sponges up cholesterol from blood vessel walls and ferries it to the liver for disposal. In contrast, LDL deposits the harmful fat in vessel walls.

My Cholesterol Is Normal But My Triglycerides Are High: Why Is That

So both your HDL and LDL levels are where they should be, but your triglycerides are still high why is that?

Triglycerides become elevated due to excess calories that do not get burned off, and in turned get stored in fat cells. Statins are medications that primarily lower LDL cholesterol, but depending on the medication dose, can lower Triglycerides from 20 to 40 percent, Sai Hanumanthu MD, with the TriHealth Heart Institute explains.

There are steps you can take to lower your triglyceride levels while promoting good cardiovascular health, including:

• Losing 5 to 10 pounds if overweight
• Avoiding alcohol
• Avoiding foods high in saturated fats
• Limiting simple carbs that have high processed sugars .
• Participating in 30 minutes of exercise per day

All these suggestions and routine follow up with a medical professional will lower you triglyceride level, even despite a low total cholesterol, Dr. Hanumanthu says.

Dont Miss: Is Greek Yogurt Good For Cholesterol

You May Like: Do Eggs Have High Cholesterol

Main Difference Ldl Vs Triglycerides

Cholesterol is a substance produced inside our body it is also provided by certain types of food such as meat, butter, margarine, oils etc. Cholesterol is waxy in nature and does not dissolve in water. The key difference between LDL and triglycerides is that low density lipoprotein is a type of lipoprotein, which helps in the transportation of cholesterol in our body whereas Triglyceride is a form of dietary fat synthesized in the liver.

This article explores,

How to Calculate the Total LDL Level in Blood How to Control High Cholesterol Levels in Blood

3. What is Triglycerides? How to Reduce Triglycerides in the Body

4. What is the difference between LDL and Triglycerides?

Donât Miss: Is Bone Marrow High In Cholesterol

What Is The Bad Type Of Cholesterol

Cholesterol travels through the blood to proteins called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol throughout the body: LDL , sometimes called bad cholesterol, which makes up most of your bodys cholesterol.

To know differences between other topics in chemistry you can register to BYJUS or download our app for simple and interesting content. Indias largest k-12 learning app with top-notch teachers from across the nation with excellent teaching skills. Find notes and question papers for other subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Biology and various competitive exams as well.

Enjoy learning with a great experience. Learning is no more boring with BYJUS.

Related Links:

Also Check: Re-esterified Triglyceride Fish Oil Brands

How To Lower Your High Triglycerides Levels

Now that you know what causes high triglycerides, you are probably wondering how to go about lowering them. Making healthy lifestyle changes are the main course of action. There are several things you can do:

Medications and Supplements

Sometimes changes in lifestyle are not enough to lower your triglyceride levels. If that is the case, your physician may put you on medication or supplements. There are several types that might help:

• High doses of fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids
• Statins like Zocor or Lipitor, which are designed to balance good and bad cholesterol levels
• Fibrate medications such as Lopid, TriCor or Fenoglide, but should not be taken with statins
• Niacin or nicotinic acid, but caution should be used because of potential negative interactions with other medications.

Make sure you follow your doctors orders carefully. Several of the medications and supplements on the market can lower triglycerides.

Note: Even if your doctor prescribes you supplements or medications to thwart what causes high triglycerides, you should still make healthy lifestyle choices and changes as it has been shown that if you do not make healthy lifestyle changes, your chances of stroke or heart attack will not necessarily decrease. Exercise and good diet are your best bet to deterring causes of high triglycerides and achieving faster and better results.

How To Lower Cholesterol: 4 Easy Things You Can Implement Today

Having elevated cholesterol levels over time can significantly impact your health. Fortunately, a few simple tweaks can make all the difference and substantially lower your levels

High cholesterol occurs when a person has too much of the fatty substance in their blood, which can cause a host of serious problems if ignored.

This can be caused by a number of things, including a diet containing too much fatty food, not getting enough exercise, obesity, smoking, drinking or family history.

For every 1% decrease in your cholesterol, your risk of developing heart disease decreases by 2%, according to Webmd.

That’s why it’s important for you to lower high cholesterol, whether you are looking to prevent heart disease or are trying to prevent any further damage following a heart attack.

Apart from the obvious factors such as losing weight and exercising more, there are a number of ways you can lower your cholesterol levels and as such reduce your risk of serious diseases.

You May Like: What Is Cholesterol Hdl Ratio

Symptoms Of High Blood Cholesterol And Triglycerides

High cholesterol typically doesnt cause any symptoms. Symptoms may only appear after the increased cholesterol has caused significant damage.

For instance, symptoms may come in the form of heart disease symptoms, such as chest pain or nausea and fatigue. A heart attack or stroke may result from uncontrolled cholesterol, among other things.

What Are Risk Factors For High Triglycerides

Factors that may raise triglyceride levels include:

• Excessive alcohol use.

• American Academy of Family Physicians. High Cholesterol. Accessed 11/182/2021.
• American Heart Association. Cholesterol. Accessed 11/18/2021.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting Your Cholesterol Checked. Accessed 11/18/2021.
• Hormone Health Network. Triglycerides. Accessed 11/18/2021.
• MedlinePlus. Triglycerides Test. Accessed 11/18/2021.
• Merck Manual Consumer Version. Overview of Cholesterol and Lipid Fats. Accessed 11/18/2021.
• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. High Blood Triglycerides. Accessed 11/18/2021.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

Recommended Reading: What Affects Cholesterol Levels In Your Blood

Understanding Cholesterol: Hdl Ldl And Triglycerides

There are two types of grocery shoppersthose who race in with a list in hand and meticulously grab every item on the list before checking out and leaving, and those who meander up and down every aisle, not sure what they want until they see it on the shelf.

But within those two types, theres another shopper you may have seenthe label-reader. This person is health-conscious and examines the nutrition labels of food items before placing them in the cart.

One of the most important categories to check for on a food label is cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol, but too much can build up on the walls of your arteries and can lead to heart disease and stroke. Checking your risk for heart disease and stroke is as simple as getting a lipid panel, which tests your blood cholesterol.

There are four important things checked in a lipid panel:

• Total cholesterol
• Low-density lipoproteins
• Triglycerides

HDL is known as the good cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol by carrying it back to the liver where it can be eliminated from the body. Its good to have a high HDL number. LDL is known as the bad cholesterol because having too much LDL may cause a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels. Triglycerides are also a type of fat found in your blood. High triglycerides, low HDL, and/or high LDL numbers can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.