Triglycerides are a type of essential fatty flowing in human blood. In addition to triglycerides, there are also 'good cholesterol' (HDL) and "bad cholesterol" (LDL).
If too much, triglyceride will accumulate in body parts such as the walls of blood vessels and heart. Saturated and unsaturated fats, including triglycerides in the group. Triglycerides are very important for humans because the body uses fat as energy. Triglycerides are manufactured by the body from other energy sources, namely from the digestion of carbohydrates and fats contained in the food. But high levels of triglycerides will increase your risk of developing diseases such as angina or wind sits, heart attack and stroke.
There is no definite symptoms that arise due to high levels of triglycerides in the body, but if triglyceride levels that happens is a hereditary disease, there are likely to emerge as a condition called xanthoma. Xanthoma is a bump due to deposition of fat under the skin.
Triglyceride Levels in the Body
It's easy to determine the body's levels of triglycerides, ie by a blood test. Here is an overview of the levels of triglycerides in the body:
Very high levels: above 500 mg / dl
High levels: 200-499 mg / dl
Levels high enough: 150-199 mg / dl
Normal levels: below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dl)
Causes of High Triglycerides Levels
Obesity and diabetes are not controlled be the most common causes of high triglycerides. High triglyceride levels occurs when a person consume lots of foods containing carbohydrate or high sugar levels. Risk of heart disease increases with a person's triglyceride levels.
Here are some other causes of high triglycerides:
Hypothyroidism. The condition when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone.
Kidney illness. Kidney function loss in the salt and mineral balance in the blood, the body's waste and dispose of excess fluids, and can not regulate blood pressure.
Many consume liquor. Consumption of beverages containing alcohol can raise triglyceride levels quickly. This condition will also trigger inflammation of the pancreas.
High triglyceride levels can also be triggered by some medications, namely:
steroids
Beta-blockers
tamoxifen
diuretics
Family planning pills
High triglyceride levels usually associated with other medical conditions. This condition is rarely present themselves. High triglyceride levels are part of the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that consist of high triglyceride levels, the levels of "good" cholesterol or low HDL, hypertension, high blood sugar and accumulation of fat around the hips. This condition can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes.
Differences Triglycerides and Cholesterol
In the blood, there are two types of fat, ie triglycerides and cholesterol. Its function is to store calories and provides energy to the body are triglycerides. While the function of cholesterol to build cells and certain hormones. Both can not be dissolved in the blood and protein to help both types of fat to flow to all parts of the body.
If you have high triglyceride levels, chances are you also experiencing high cholesterol. To find out if we have a high triglyceride levels, we can do a blood test called a lipoprotein analysis. This blood test functions determine the overall amount of fatty substance in the blood.
Treatment of High Triglycerides
Triglyceride levels in the body can be lowered without the use of special medicines. Some changes in one's lifestyle can be an important factor in reducing high triglyceride levels. Here are simple ways that can be done:
Weight control. If your weight exceeds the ideal weight or even obese, lose about 2-5 kilograms can reduce levels of triglycerides in the body. To get a more healthy body and stamina, you need to be disciplined in the sport for at least 2.5 hours per week.
Eating healthy fats. Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fatty meat from the plant, for example in olive oil, peanut oil and canola oil.
Avoid trans fats. Trans fats can be found in foods that are fried or baked food products such as cookies, crackers and snacks. If the trans fat content of less than 0.5 grams, there is the possibility of a manufacturer is not included on the packaging. The food manufacturers can say that their food contains hydrogenated oils.
Lowering your calorie intake. You need to remember that excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored as fat. Indirectly, lowering caloric intake also means lower triglyceride levels.
Limiting the level of cholesterol in food. Avoid concentrated sources of cholesterol, including meats with lots of fat, egg yolks, and dairy products are pure.
Limit consumption of sugar and processed foods. Sugar and foods made from flour is a type of carbohydrate that can raise triglyceride levels.
Limit alcohol consumption. The calorie content is high on liquor can result in an increase in triglycerides. Triglyceride levels can increase although we only ate a little liquor.
Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can improve levels of "good" cholesterol. Within a year after quitting, your risk of heart disease can be reduced by approximately 50%. And in 15 years, the risk of heart disease with people who do not smoke.
Exercising. Activities regular exercise can help you control your overall body health.
If triglyceride levels remain high after making lifestyle changes, you may need to add the consumption of drugs as well. Dosage and drug content given by the doctor depending on the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol levels and other risk factors that can increase the risk of heart disease.
The drugs used are usually concentrated on lowering bad cholesterol, which indirectly can lower triglyceride levels. Here are drugs used to lower high cholesterol:
Fibrates. This drug serves to lower triglycerides and increase levels of "good" or HDL. The impact of the "bad cholesterol" or LDL is not too much.
Niacin, or nicotinic acid. Nicotinic acid can reduce the production of triglycerides and LDL. Eventually led to increased "good" cholesterol and lowering triglycerides.
Statins. This drug will inhibit the enzyme the body needs to produce cholesterol. As a result, the levels of 'bad cholesterol' will decrease.
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil). Fish oil supplements can lower triglyceride levels in the female body. Eating at least two servings of fish each week to get omega-3 fatty acids are sufficient. Fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids are also available and can generally be bought freely.
If the drugs above are not effective in lowering triglyceride levels, your doctor may need to change the dose or adding a new drug. Be sure to always follow the doctor's advice in taking drugs above. If you take statins, so be careful if you are also taking the type of fibrate drugs. Combined these two drugs can cause problems with muscle called rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney failure. If you experience any problems or pain in the muscles, see a doctor.