Triglycerides: Important Information You Need to Know

Most people have heard of this name, but not everyone knows exactly what it represents and what are the risks it can bring to health. Triglycerides (or triglycerides) are lipids produced in the liver or extracted from foods rich in carbohydrates (breads, pasta, among others). They are popularly known as fats, whose main function is to provide energy for the body to function.

Like HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, when they are at altered levels in the blood, can cause health damage.

Hypertriglyceridemia: What Causes High Triglycerides?

“When there is an increase in blood levels of triglycerides (above 149mg/dl), we have a condition called hypertriglyceridemia. It can be familial or associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes and is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (the narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart)”, explains Patrícia Peschel Alves e Silva, endocrinologist, member of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology. “Secondary causes of increased triglycerides are hypothyroidism, pregnancy, kidney disease and HIV infection,” adds the professional.

In addition to an unbalanced diet, with excessive consumption of carbohydrates and fats, the intake of alcohol and some medications such as corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics and oral estrogens can increase their levels, as highlighted by the endocrinologist.

Symptoms

Typically, patients with hypertriglyceridemia have no symptoms. But in some cases it is possible to observe signs of this condition. “When triglyceride levels are above 500mg/dl, especially above 1000mg/dl, there is an increased risk for the development of pancreatitis and, on this occasion, the patient will experience severe abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and feeling sick”, explains the endocrinologist. Patricia.

“Severe hypertriglyceridemia (>1000mg/dl) can be accompanied by cutaneous xanthomas (presence of fatty lumps under the skin), yellowish lesions on the back, chest and/or nearby extremities, caused by the accumulation of fat. Levels above 4000mg/dl can cause lipemia retinalis, which is the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels of the retina, seen through an eye fundus examination”, adds the doctor.

necessary exams

High levels of triglycerides are discovered through a specific blood test prescribed by the doctor. Therefore, it is very important to do this “check-up” regularly, also paying attention to the possible increase in cholesterol levels.

“Lipid screening (triglycerides, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol) is recommended for men over 35 years and women over 45 years or earlier, in both, if there are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (family history, obesity, diabetes)”, says endocrinologist Patricia.

“For people under the age of 35, there is no consensus on whether to be screened without a risk of coronary heart disease. However, in cases of family history of premature heart disease or dyslipidemia (presence of high or abnormal levels of lipids in the blood), including in children and adolescents, the exam is recommended”, adds the doctor, noting that the screening is done by common blood collection medium, fasting for 10-12 hours.

It is important to remember that patients who consume a high-fat meal, consume alcohol the night before the exam, or do not observe fasting, may have elevated triglyceride levels.

Treatment

The treatment of hypertriglyceridemia consists of dietary measures, encouragement of physical activity (at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week), weight loss and the use of specific medications (fibrates, niacin and omega 3).

“Dietary measures are extremely important and consist of reducing the intake of foods rich in cholesterol (butter, whole milk, yellow cheese, red meat, etc.), white flour, pasta, sugar, soda, alcohol, associated with increased consumption of fibers, vegetables and fruits”, explains the endocrinologist.

“Smoking patients are advised to stop smoking, due to the greater cardiac risk they present”, recalls Patrícia.

It must be avoided!

As hypertriglyceridemia is usually related to obesity or excessive consumption of calories, the ideal is to prevent and, even before any health problem of this type, adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes good nutrition and physical activity. Another valuable tip is to opt, whenever possible, for “good carbohydrates”, which are those rich in fiber and, generally, integral.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.