The overlooked triglycerides

By now, everybody has progressed from worrying about their blood cholesterol to checking their low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol - the ‘bad’ one) and their high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol – the ‘good’ one). But a lipid profile includes a poor cousin alongside LDL and HDL – the triglycerides. And not many people worry about that level, although they should.

Triglycerides are fats (or lipids) that are produced by the body and eaten in the food. The ‘upper limit of normal’ for triglycerides is 150 mg/dL. Higher levels are associated with heart disease, kidney disease, and pancreatitis.

A survey by the National Lipid Association found that while 9 out of 10 doctors knew that triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease, and 8 out of 10 knew the upper limit of normal, only 2 out of 3 had discussed healthy triglyceride levels with their patients. Worse still, only 13% of patients could quote the upper limit of normal. Clearly doctors need to do a better job educating patients, and patients need to pay attention to this poor cousin. The risk of developing coronary heart disease doubles when the triglyceride is above 200 mg/dL. And women with diabetes are at even greater risk form elevated triglycerides.

The treatment for high triglycerides is similar to that for raised LDL-cholesterol levels – lifestyle changes first, and then, maybe, a statin drug. To lower triglycerides specifically, your doctor may prescribe a fibrate drug or nicotinic acid.

Comments

[Jack Miller]

I always find something new and interesting every time I come around here - thanks.

[Robert Griffith]

Thanks for your kind words. Bob G.