In order to circulate in the watery blood, these lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) are packaged along with proteins. We all know that oil doesn’t mix with water! Our blood lipids are just like oil. Triglycerides are chains of carbons called “fatty acids”, attached at one end to a carbon backbone. Cholesterol is made up of connected rings of carbon atoms and also is called a “sterol”. High triglyceride levels increase your risk of heart and blood vessel disease.Ĭholesterol and triglycerides are both lipids, but have very different shapes. As with cholesterol, you need just the right amount of triglycerides. Your body gets triglycerides from food (especially meats and plant oils) and also makes triglycerides on its own. Triglycerides, or blood fats, are the fats that circulate through the bloodstream along with cholesterol. High blood cholesterol levels can contribute to atherosclerosis, or clogging of the arteries. We also get cholesterol from the animal foods we eat such as meats, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Our livers produce all the cholesterol that we need for these important functions. CholesterolĬholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in the tissue of humans and other animals. When blood lipid levels are high, this is called dyslipidemia. Both cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood are called lipids. But what do all of these numbers mean? Defining Cholesterol and Triglyceridesįirst, it helps to understand exactly what blood lipids are. This includes your blood lipid panel and your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before taking over-the-counter niacin because it can interact with other medications and cause significant side effects.Part of understanding your own heart health is knowing your heart health numbers. Niacin, sometimes called nicotinic acid, can lower your triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol. Fish oil taken at high levels can interfere with blood clotting, so talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Prescription fish oil preparations, such as Lovaza, contain more-active fatty acids than many nonprescription supplements. Also known as omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can help lower your triglycerides. Fibrates aren't used if you have severe kidney or liver disease. Fibrate medications, such as fenofibrate (TriCor, Fenoglide, others) and gemfibrozil (Lopid), can lower your triglyceride levels. Examples of statins include atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor). These cholesterol-lowering medications may be recommended if you also have poor cholesterol numbers or a history of blocked arteries or diabetes. If healthy lifestyle changes aren't enough to control high triglycerides, your doctor might recommend: If you have severe hypertriglyceridemia, avoid drinking any alcohol. Alcohol is high in calories and sugar and has a particularly potent effect on triglycerides. Avoid trans fats or foods with hydrogenated oils or fats. Instead of red meat, try fish high in omega-3 fatty acids - such as mackerel or salmon. Trade saturated fat found in meats for healthier fat found in plants, such as olive and canola oils. Reducing your calories will reduce triglycerides. Extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. If you have mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia, focus on cutting calories. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and foods made with white flour or fructose, can increase triglycerides. Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.Try to incorporate more physical activity into your daily tasks - for example, climb the stairs at work or take a walk during breaks. Regular exercise can lower triglycerides and boost "good" cholesterol. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week.
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