Pathologies Linked To High Triglycerides
When it comes to the consequences of high triglycerides, special attention should be paid. This condition can be followed by various cardiovascular diseases, even potentially fatal: the reference is in particular toheart attack and tostroke, which can be favored by the deterioration of the health of the arteries and other blood vessels.
The effects on blood pressure should also not be underestimated , to the development of the condition known as fat liver, to the manifestation of high levels of glycemia even on an empty stomach and also with the increase in the values of bad LDL cholesterol.
You May Like: Does Flaxseed Help Reduce Cholesterol
Lowering Triglycerides Without Medication
Unless your triglycerides are extremely high, lifestyle changes are the best place to start. These simple steps can significantly lower triglyceride levels.
- Beware of bad fats. Cutting back on saturated fat and trans fats can lower triglycerides.
- Go for good carbs. Easily digested carbohydrates give triglycerides a definite boost. Eating whole grains and cutting back on soda can help control triglycerides.
- Check your alcohol use. In some people, alcohol dramatically boosts triglycerides. The only way to know if this is true for you is to avoid alcohol for a few weeks and have your triglycerides tested again.
- Go fish. Omega-3 fats in salmon, tuna, sardines, and other fatty fish can lower triglycerides. Having fish twice a week is fine.
- Aim for a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing just 5% to 10% of your weight can help drive down triglycerides.
- Get moving. Exercise lowers triglycerides and boosts heart-healthy HDL cholesterol.
- Stop smoking. It isnt good for triglyceride levels or for anything else.
About the Author
Gregory Curfman, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Former Editor-in-Chief, Harvard Health Publishing
Egg White Scramble With Spinach
Eggs are notoriously high in cholesterol, but all of it is contained in the yolk. The whites are cholesterol-free and packed with protein.
Scramble up a couple of egg whites and toss in a handful of spinach for fiber. Cook your eggs in olive or canola oil. These healthy oils could help improve your cholesterol numbers even more.
Read Also: Is Milk Bad For Cholesterol
Don’t Miss: Can High Cholesterol Cause Chest Pain
Will A Keto Diet Lower Triglycerides And Cholesterol
No, keto diets have been shown to increase cholesterol levels. The Mediterranean diet, however, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiac events.
The Mediterranean diet promotes eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats daily eating fish, poultry, beans, and eggs weekly reducing portions of dairy and limiting red meat.
Read Also: Can Low Thyroid Cause High Cholesterol
Normal Cholesterol High Triglycerides
Even though your latest physical may have shown that your cholesterol levels are normal, you may still be at risk for heart disease if your triglycerides level is high.
A 20-year study conducted by the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine found that a pattern of elevated levels of triglycerides, the main form of fats circulating in the bloodstream, even when cholesterol levels are normal, can mean a two- to three-fold increase of deaths by cardiovascular disease.
Blood triglycerides come from two main sources: the food you eat-especially sugar, animal products and saturated fats-and from your liver. Although its not exactly clear how, high triglyceride levels can result in hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls , which can raise your risk for stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
- Normal triglyceride levels are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter
- Borderline high is 150-199 mg/dl high is 200-499 mg/dl
- Very high 500 mg/dl. A triglyceride level of 150 mg/dl or above is considered a risk for metabolic syndrome-a constellation of conditions resulting from too much fat around the waist-which in addition to raising your risk for heart disease, it can also increase your risk for diabetes.
You May Like: What Not To Eat To Lower Cholesterol
Don’t Miss: Can You Get Rid Of Cholesterol
Will Going Vegan Help Me Lose Weight
People find that switching to a plant-based diet helped them to eat a wider range of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, which sometimes equated to weight loss.
However, to ensure weight loss on a vegan diet, you would still need to create a calorie deficit each day and keep up with regular exercise.
The Inflammatory Process In The Digestive System
Inflammation is a normal response to injury or infection. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can cause serious health problems.
We associate chronic inflammation with heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimers disease, and many others.
If youre suffering from any of these conditions, you may be interested in learning more about Ayurvedic medicine. This ancient system of natural remedies uses herbs, spices, oils, and diet to treat common ailments.
Ayurveda is based on the belief that everything in nature is interconnected. The body is no exception. Ayurvedic medicine treats the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Ayurvedic medicine is effective for treating high cholesterol and triglyceride levels because it helps reduce inflammation throughout the digestive tract.
You May Like: How To Get Good Cholesterol
Increase Your Physical Activity
Physical activity increases levels of HDL cholesterol the good cholesterol that removes LDL cholesterol from the blood. Vigorous aerobic exercise is best.
If you havent been exercising much lately, gradually build up to the recommended amount of physical activity:
- People aged 18-64 years should do 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week.
- People aged 65 years and over should aim for a total of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days .
Moderate-intensity exercise is a level that increases your heart rate and breathing but allows you to keep talking. Vigorous intensity exercise makes your heart rate higher and makes you breathe more heavily.
Resistance training and muscle-toning exercises can increase HDL cholesterol. Aim to do this twice a week.
Psck9 Inhibitors Can Lower Your Ldl Cholesterol: A Lot
PSCK9 inhibitors may be a good choice for people with an inherited form of high cholesterol. These new drugs can lower dangerous LDL levels by half or more. The drugs costs are high, but the health care industry is working with manufacturers and pharmacists to bring the price down and make PSCK9 inhibitors available to more people.
You May Like: Does High Cholesterol Affect Athletic Performance
Other Causes Of High Cholesterol
People are often surprised to find out they have high cholesterol or triglycerides in their blood, but there are many possible explanations. High levels of blood fats can have many different causes which can all add up, including your lifestyle, genes, age, gender and ethnic background.
Here you can take a look at some of the lesser-known causes. Doctors sometimes call these secondary causes of high cholesterol.
Learn about changing your lifestyle to help lower your cholesterol
When Should You Take Them
Statins are usually the first type of medicine that doctors prescribe to treat high LDL-cholesterol. Your doctor will advise you how to take your statin medicine. Some statins should be taken in the evening, at bedtime, for best effect.
Statins should not be used in pregnancy because of potential risk to the unborn baby if you are a woman of childbearing age it is recommended that you use effective contraception while taking statins.
People with liver disease, muscle disease and breast feeding women should also avoid statins.
Also Check: How To Reduce High Cholesterol And Triglyceride Levels
How Often Should I Have My Cholesterol Tested
Adults should have their blood lipids measured every 5 years, starting at 45 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should start lipid blood tests at 35, because on average heart and blood vessel disease such as heart attacks and stroke happen 10 to 20 years earlier in Indigenous people.
All Australians in these age groups are eligible for a regular 20-minute heart health check with their doctor. This checks your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Your doctor can then assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years.
Which Medicines Can Lower Triglycerides
For some people, good habits may not be enough. Medication might be needed. The decision for you and your doctor can be complicated because other health conditions are usually involved. Several types of medicine can improve levels. They include:
- High doses of omega-3s are needed to lower triglycerides and should be taken only under a doctor’s care. Epanova, Lovaza, and Vascepa are prescription forms of omega-3s.
Your doctor may also prescribe a class of drugs called âstatinsâ that lower cholesterol. Examples include: atorvastatin , rosuvastatin , and simvastatin .
You may feel side effects from these drugs. Be sure to talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist.
Show Sources
Recommended Reading: What Is Good Cholesterol And Bad Cholesterol Foods
How Do I Know If My Cholesterol Levels Are High
High blood cholesterol levels are a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. They also lead to clogged arteries and increased blood pressure. To reduce your risk for these conditions, keep your total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL. This means that your HDL and triglyceride levels must be above 40 mg/dL and 150 mg/dL, respectively.
The following tests can help determine whether your cholesterol levels are too high. If you have any symptoms of high cholesterol, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, or arm numbness, speak with your doctor immediately.
- Total cholesterol test A simple blood test that measures the amount of total cholesterol in your blood. Your doctor may recommend this test when you first visit him or her because it can give clues about your overall health.
- HDL cholesterol test A blood test that measures the HDL cholesterol in your blood. High HDL cholesterol levels indicate a healthy lifestyle.
- LDL cholesterol test A simple cholesterol test that measures the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood.
About 38% of American adults have high cholesterol (total blood cholesterol 200 mg
How Do I Know If I Have High Cholesterol
Many Australians don’t know they have high cholesterol, because there are no symptoms. High cholesterol can only be detected through a blood test.
Some people have a condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia where a genetic problem leads to high cholesterol. About one in 500 Australians has this condition and many dont know they have it. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or of heart disease at a young age, ask your doctor about your risk.
Don’t Miss: Is Mozzarella High In Cholesterol
Lifestyle Factors To Maintain Heart Health
Taking steps to improve your cardiac health is an action that you will never regret. The heart serves as a vital role in the overall function of the body. When it comes to learning how to strengthen your heart and maintaining heart health, you can talk with your doctor about recommended methods or try any of the following:
- Practice regular cardiovascular exercise such as walking, running or using an elliptical.
- Swap out the potato chips for heart-healthy snacks like fresh fruit, nuts or whole grain crackers.
- Maintain a healthy weight and work to lose any excess weight.
- Practice proper stress management and self care.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol usage.
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure.
- Keep cholesterol levels under control.
- Visit your cardiologist regularly to have blood levels checked and heart health monitored.
Unfortunately, heart disease of all kinds is on the rise in todays society, so taking steps to maintain your heart health is more important now than ever before.
Thoughtful Talks With My Health Care Professional: My Cholesterol Treatment Plan
Your health care professional can help you reach your health goals, including keeping your cholesterol at healthy levels.
Making decisions with your health care team is the best way to create a treatment plan youll be more likely to stick to. If you dont understand something, ask for further clarification.
Heres a helpful checklist that you and your health care professional can go through to determine your risk and the best treatment options for you.
Don’t Miss: What Cholesterol Level Needs Medicine
Diet For High Cholesterol And Triglycerides
To lower cholesterol and triglycerides, you dont need to follow a cholesterol-free diet, just avoid consuming the ideal amount of fat and avoiding excess sugar hidden in the diet.
Nutrition is an evolving science, and cholesterol and triglyceride diets have evolved with recent science. This article will dispel some myths and give you some guidelines for lowering cholesterol and triglycerides with a healthy diet.
How Are Cholesterol Levels And Glucose Metabolism
Cholesterol levels and glucose metabolism are closely related. Having elevated blood glucose levels poses a risk of higher cholesterol, manifesting as diabetic dyslipidemia.
Diabetic dyslipidemia occurs when someone has diabetes along with elevated triglycerides, low HDL levels, and high LDL levels. Up to 70% of people with type 2 diabetes have diabetic dyslipidemia.
Alternatively, high cholesterol levels put you at increased risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. High triglycerides and low HDL levels are not only a consequence of high blood sugars but are also a cause.
Also, when people already have diabetes and start taking statins for high cholesterol, they often have difficulty with blood sugar management.
2016 study , garlic and lemon juice may be effective at lowering cholesterol.
The study looked at people with moderately high cholesterol levels. It found that people who consumed 20 grams of garlic with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per day experienced a significant decrease in their LDL and total cholesterol levels compared with those who did not have garlic and lemon juice.
Also Check: What Foods Are High In Saturated Fat And Cholesterol
How Is A Lipid Disorder Diagnosed
To check your cholesterol levels, your doctor will order a blood test called a lipid profile, or lipid panel. This test measures your total cholesterol and triglycerides. Before this test, your doctor will likely ask you to avoid eating and drinking liquids other than water for at least 8 to 12 hours.
The lipid profile measures cholesterol in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter . Your total cholesterol level should be no higher than 200 mg/dL. Learn how to understand your cholesterol results.
A combination of medications and lifestyle changes is a common treatment plan to correct high cholesterol and triglycerides. Your doctor may also suggest certain supplements.
Know Your Numbers And What To Do About Them
When it comes to cholesterol, it’s important to know your numbers. Hyperlipidemia means your blood has too many lipids , such as cholesterol and triglycerides. One type of hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, means you have too much non-HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in your blood. This condition increases fatty deposits in arteries and the risk of blockages.
Another way your cholesterol numbers can be out of balance is when your HDL cholesterol level is too low. With less HDL to remove cholesterol from your arteries, your risk of atherosclerotic plaque and blockages increases.
If youre diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, your overall health and other risks such as smoking or high blood pressure will help guide treatment. These factors can combine with high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol levels to affect your cardiovascular health. Your doctor may use the ASCVD Risk Calculator to assess your risk of a coronary event in the next 10 years.
The good news is, high cholesterol can be lowered, reducing risk of heart disease and stroke. If youre 20 years or older, have your cholesterol tested and work with your doctor to adjust your cholesterol levels as needed.
Often, changing behaviors can help bring your numbers into line. If lifestyle changes alone dont improve your cholesterol levels, medication may be prescribed. Lifestyle changes include:
Also Check: How To Keep Cholesterol In Check
Does Triphala Reduce Triglycerides
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine used to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Triphala contains three herbs: Amalaki , Haritaki and Bibhitaki . These herbs work together to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.
Amalaki helps lower cholesterol by increasing bile production. Bitter melon reduces cholesterol by breaking down fats in the liver. And Ashwagandha increases metabolism, helping the body break down fat.
How Quickly Can I Lower My Cholesterol
Your cholesterol levels may lower as quickly as a few weeks to a few months, depending on your treatment plan.
If your levels are very high, your healthcare provider may recommend taking medications at the start of your treatment plan. This may help lower your cholesterol levels more quickly. The sooner you can lower your bad cholesterol levels, the sooner you can lower your risk for plaques to form.
You can also lower your cholesterol through lifestyle and diet changes alone, but it may take three to six months to see results. Talk with your healthcare provider to figure out the best treatment plan for you.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Get Rid Of Cholesterol Spots
How To Lower Cholesterol And Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of lipid, or fat, your body produces to store extra calories and provide energy. Cholesterol is another lipid that circulates in your blood. Your body uses cholesterol to build cells and produce hormones.
Both triglycerides and cholesterol are essential for your health but having levels that are too high puts your health at risk. Living a healthy lifestyle helps to keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels within a normal range.
This article covers how triglycerides and cholesterol affect your health and how you can lower them naturally.
Luis Alvarez / Getty Images
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
Don’t Miss: What Nuts Are Best To Lower Cholesterol