What’s The Difference Between Triglycerides And Cholesterol

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.

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How Often Should I Get A Cholesterol Test

When and how often you should get a cholesterol test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history. The general recommendations are:

For people who are age 19 or younger::

• The first test should be between ages 9 to 11
• Children should have the test again every 5 years
• Some children may have this test starting at age 2 if there is a family history of high blood cholesterol, heart attack, or stroke

For people who are age 20 or older::

• Younger adults should have the test every 5 years
• Men ages 45 to 65 and women ages 55 to 65 should have it every 1 to 2 years

How Fat And Cholesterol In Food Affect Blood Cholesterol Levels

The types of fat in the diet help determine the amount of total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. The types and amount of carbohydrate in the diet also play a role. Cholesterol in food matters, too, but not nearly as much.

• The discovery half a century ago that high blood cholesterol levels were strongly associated with an increased risk for heart disease triggered numerous warnings to avoid foods that contain cholesterol, especially eggs and liver. However, scientific studies show a weak relationship between the amount of cholesterol a person consumes and his or her blood cholesterol levels

• In studies of more than 80,000 female nurses, Harvard researchers found that consuming about an egg a day was not associated with higher risk of heart disease. However, people who have heart disease or diabetes should monitor egg consumption.

For most people, the amount of cholesterol eaten has only a modest impact on the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. For some people, though, blood cholesterol levels rise and fall very strongly in relation to the amount of cholesterol eaten. For these responders, avoiding cholesterol-rich foods can have a substantial effect on blood cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, at this point there is no way other than by trial and error to identify responders from non-responders to dietary cholesterol.

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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.

Thats why its 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.

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How It Is Done

The health professional taking a sample of your blood will:

• Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein.
• Clean the needle site with alcohol.
• Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed.
• Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.
• Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected.
• Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.
• Put pressure on the site and then put on a bandage.

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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.

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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 BloodHow 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?

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Is Cholesterol A Fatty Acid

Cholesterol is an unsaturated alcohol in the steroid family of compounds it is essential for the proper functioning of all animal cells and is a central component of their cell membranes. Triglycerides are fatty acid esters of glycerol which are the primary lipid portion of animal food fats which fat deposits.

What Affects My Cholesterol Levels

A variety of things can affect cholesterol levels. These are some things you can do to lower your cholesterol levels:

• Diet. Saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat make your blood cholesterol level rise. Saturated fat is the main problem, but cholesterol in foods also matters. Reducing the amount of saturated fat in your diet helps lower your blood cholesterol level. Foods that have high levels of saturated fats include some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, and deep-fried and processed foods.
• Weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. It also tends to increase your cholesterol. Losing weight can help lower your LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It also raises your HDL cholesterol level.
• Physical Activity. Not being physically active is a risk factor for heart disease. Regular physical activity can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol levels. It also helps you lose weight. You should try to be physically active for 30 minutes on most, if not all, days.
• Smoking.Cigarette smoking lowers your HDL cholesterol. HDL helps to remove bad cholesterol from your arteries. So a lower HDL can contribute to a higher level of bad cholesterol.

Things outside of your control that can also affect cholesterol levels include:

There are two main ways to lower your cholesterol:

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

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What Can You Do At Home To Treat High Triglycerides

The main way to deal with high triglycerides is to eat better and get more exercise. Here are some guidelines to help you manage your level:

Moderate exercise: Try to exercise 5 or more days each week. Lack of movement makes it hard for your body to process blood sugar and triglycerides as it normally does. So itâs important for you to get up and get moving more each day. Skip the escalator or elevator and climb stairs. Get off the bus or subway one stop early and walk. Find activities you enjoy: Walk, swim, or ride a bike. Join a gym. Talk to your doctor before you begin any exercise plan.

Watch your weight: If youâre carrying extra pounds, losing 5% to 10% of your weight can lower triglycerides. People with a healthy weight are more likely to have normal levels. Belly fat is associated with higher numbers.

Eat less bad fat and carbs: Try to lower the saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol in your diet. Cutting back on carbohydrates will help, too. Foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat, boost levels. Butter and cheese contain these same triglyceride-boosting fats. Choose lean meats or protein alternatives, such as chicken and unprocessed turkey, that are lower in saturated fat.

Another healthy option: Make meatless meals. Vegetarian pastas, chilis, and stir-fries are a delicious alternative to meat dishes. Avoid dishes loaded with cream or cheese in favor of recipes that use vegetable or olive oil and feature plenty of vegetables.

Main Difference Cholesterol Vs Triglycerides

Cholesterol and triglycerides are types of fat in the blood. Cholesterol levels in the blood depend on the amount of total fat consumed. Saturated fat and trans fat contribute to the total fat. The level of triglycerides in the blood is elevated by the consumption of high levels of calories. The excess calories are converted into triglycerides. These triglycerides are stored in the fat cells. However, the excess fat, sugary food as well as alcohol may raise triglyceride levels in the blood. Both cholesterol and triglycerides increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The main difference between cholesterol and triglycerides is that cholesterol is a building block of the cell and certain hormones whereas triglycerides serve as an energy source.

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How Do Triglycerides Get Into The Blood

When we eat foods containing triglycerides, such as meat, dairy products, cooking oils and fats, they are absorbed by our intestines and packaged into parcels of fats and protein called chylomicrons . These carry the triglycerides in the blood stream to our tissues to be used for energy straight away, or stored for later.

The body also makes its own supply of triglycerides in the liver. This form is carried in a different type of lipoprotein known as VLDL cholesterol.

High Triglycerides And High Cholesterol Levels Are Treated In Similar Ways

• Limiting your carbohydrate intake
• Losing excess weight if necessary
• Eating more healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids
• Quitting smoking

• Losing excess weight
• Increasing your physical activity
• Eating a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables

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What Does It Mean When Triglycerides Are High

High triglyceride levels may result in hardening of the arteries , which increases risks of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. They can be part of metabolic syndrome, which also includes too much fat around the waist, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Which is worse high cholesterol or triglycerides?

In fact, high triglycerides are as dangerous as bad cholesterol when it comes to your risk for heart disease. According to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , high triglycerides could be a problem for one-third of all Americans.

Which foods are bad for triglycerides?

Foods to Avoid If You Have High Triglycerides

• Starchy Veggies. 1 / 12.

• Pastries, pies, cookies, and cakes.

What To Think About

• Chylomicrons are another type of lipoprotein that are measured in a different test. Chylomicrons are in the blood and carry fat from your intestine to your liver. They carry triglycerides to your muscles for immediate use. Or they carry triglycerides to fat tissue for storage.
• Having a high cholesterol level increases your chances of having a heart attack. The higher your cholesterol, the greater your chances. An elevated total cholesterol level in younger people is particularly significant, since the narrowing of the coronary arteries usually takes many years to develop.
• Lifestyle changes may help lower blood cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol. Some people have better responses to diet and lifestyle changes than do others. Lifestyle changes might include:
• Quitting smoking.
• Eating healthier by reducing saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet while increasing fibre and complex carbohydrate.
• Losing weight. An improvement may occur if you lose as little as 2.5 kg to 5 kg .
• Being active on most, preferably all, days of the week.

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What’s The Difference Between Triglycerides And Cholesterol

Triglycerides and cholesterol are both a type of necessary fat found in your blood. Blood tests can measure how much of each you have in your body, and these numbers can tell you a lot about your overall health.

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But for all their similarities, there are also differences between triglycerides and cholesterol that you should know about. Here, we’ll break those down.

How To Lower Levels Of Triglycerides And Cholesterol

Prevention is the first step towards keeping your cholesterol levels within the recommended ranges.Here are some important lifestyle habits that help reduce and keep under control levels of cholesterol and triglycerides:

• Engage in regular physical activity. Physical activity is not only fundamental for losing weight, but also for keeping it off. Regular physical exercise contributes to the health of our heart. The effect of physical activity on triglyceride levels varies according to the intensity of the effort expended, the length of time and the calories used up during the activity.
• Follow a healthy diet: simple sugars, like fructose, can cause triglyceride levels to increase foods with a high saturated fat content cause an increase in bad cholesterol. It is advisable to eat foods containing complex carbohydrates and foods rich in fiber, like greens and whole grains instead of simple sugars, and increase the amount of food rich in mono and polyunsaturates .
• Keep your weight under control. In light of the continuing increase in overweight and obesity, it is fundamental to keep your weight under control from early childhood on, utilizing an approach designed to balance caloric intake through food with the calories you consume while engaging in physical activity.

Sometimes altering your lifestyle habits is not sufficient to keep cholesterol under control. In this case it is possible to undergo a pharmaceutical treatment and/or a treatment utilizing nutritional supplements.

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What Is Ldl Cholesterol

Low density lipoprotein is a type of lipoprotein, which helps in the transportation of cholesterol in our body. This is often referred to as a bad cholesterol type since it can get deposited on blood vessel walls as thick and dense plaques and attracts macrophages which will eventually obstruct the vessel lumen causing Atherosclerosis.

Increased LDL levels markedly increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

Every person who is suspected to have Hypercholesterolemia should get a lipid profile done once in every month, which will reveal a laboratory measurement of LDL cholesterol in the body.

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What Is The Difference Between Cholesterol And Triglycerides

Cholesterol is a lipid and a steroid having four fused hydrocarbon rings. In contrast, triglycerides are a type of lipid having a glycerol molecule and three fatty acid chains. This is the key difference between cholesterol and triglycerides. Moreover, there are two main types of cholesterol: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. On the other hand, there are different types of triglycerides, including saturated and unsaturated triglycerides. High level of triglycerides in the bloodstream is linked to atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke. However, a high level of good cholesterol is associated with a healthy life while a high level of bad cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular diseases. This is another important difference between cholesterol and triglycerides.

Another difference between cholesterol and triglycerides is the function they provide. Triglycerides provide us with energy while cholesterol is important to produce steroid hormones and cortisol. They are also important to maintain membrane fluidity. Furthermore, the body produces as much cholesterol as it needs on its own. But the body relies on food consumption to create triglycerides. This is also a difference between cholesterol and triglycerides.

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