Most people have heard of this name, but not everyone knows exactly what it represents and what health risks it can bring. Triglycerides (or triglycerides) are lipids produced in the liver or extracted from carbohydrate-rich foods (breads, pastas, among others). They are popularly known as fats, whose main function is to provide energy for the body to function.
Like HDL and LDL cholesterols, triglycerides, when found in altered blood levels, can cause harm to health.
Hypertriglyceridemia: What causes triglyceride discharge?
When blood triglyceride levels rise (above 149mg / dl), we have a condition called hypertriglyceridemia. Can it be familial or associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes and is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (the narrowing of small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart) ?, explains Patrícia Peschel Alves e Silva, endocrinologist, full member of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology. "Secondary causes of increased triglycerides are hypothyroidism, pregnancy, kidney disease, and HIV infection," she adds.
In addition to an unbalanced diet with excessive intake of carbohydrates and fats, alcohol intake and some medications such as corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics and oral estrogens can raise their levels, as the endocrinologist points out.
Symptoms
Usually, patients with hypertriglyceridemia do not have 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 of developing 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) may be accompanied by cutaneous xanthomas (presence of fatty lumps under the skin), yellowish lesions on the back, chest and / or near extremities caused by fat accumulation. Levels above 4000mg / dl can cause lipemia retinalis, which is the accumulation of fat in retinal blood vessels, seen through an eye exam ?, adds the doctor.
Required Exams
High triglyceride levels are discovered through a specific blood test prescribed by the doctor. So it is very important to do this? Check up? regularly, also being mindful of possible increases in cholesterol levels.
Lipid screening (triglycerides, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol) is recommended for men over 35 and women over 45 or earlier, in both if there are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (family history, obesity, diabetes) ?, says endocrinologist Patricia.
? For people under 35, there is no consensus on screening without risk of coronary artery disease. However, in cases of family history of premature heart disease or dyslipidemia (presence of elevated or abnormal blood lipid levels), including in children and adolescents, is recommended the test ?, adds the doctor, noting that screening is done by common blood collection medium, fasting for 10-12 hours.
It is important to remember that patients who eat a high-fat meal, drink alcohol the night before the exam, or do not respect the fast may have their triglyceride levels elevated.
Treatment
Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia consists of dietary measures, stimulation of physical activity (at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week), weight loss and use of specific medications (fibrates, niacin and omega 3).
? Dietary measures are extremely important and consist of lowering the intake of cholesterol rich foods (butter, whole milk, yellow cheese, red meat etc.), white flour, pasta, sugar, soda, alcohol, associated with increased consumption of cholesterol. fiber, vegetables and fruits ?, explains the endocrinologist.
"In smoking patients, they are advised to quit smoking because of the higher heart risk they present," recalls Patricia.
It is necessary to avoid!
Since hypertriglyceridemia is usually related to obesity or excessive calorie consumption, it is ideal to prevent and, even before any such health problem, to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes good diet and physical activity. Another valuable tip is to opt for "good carbs" whenever possible, which are fiber-rich and usually whole.
Lowering Triglycerides - Mayo Clinic (April 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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