Download TRIGLYCERIDES - Is Your Number Up?

TRIGLYCERIDES - Is Your Number Up?
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and the chief
form of fat storage in the human body. They are long chains of fatty acids which
provide much of the energy that your body’s cells need to function.
Triglycerides in the bloodstream are a byproduct of fats eaten, or are formed in the
body from other energy sources such as carbohydrate. Excess calories eaten in a
meal that are not used for immediate energy are converted to triglycerides and
transported to fat cells for storage. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides
from fat in order to meet the body’s demand for energy between meals.
What’s the harm?
Lifestyle changes are the key to change:
An excess of circulating triglycerides in the bloodstream is known as
hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertriglyceridemia has been linked to the
occurrence of coronary artery disease in some people. Elevated
triglycerides may also be a consequence of other diseases, such as
untreated Diabetes Mellitus, or may be seen as part of the Metabolic
Syndrome. The Metabolic Syndrome is a recently recognized group of
5 risk factors that are often seen together, and when present indicate
an increased danger of developing cardiac disease.
• If you are overweight, cut back on calories to reach your ideal
body weight. This reduction includes calories from all energy
sources fats, proteins, carbohydrates and alcohol.
The Metabolic Syndrome:
1. Abdominal obesity
(excess fat in the waist area—the “spare tire”)
2. Elevated triglycerides
3. Low HDL levels (the good cholesterol)
4. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
5. Elevated fasting blood sugar levels
• Increase physical activity to 30 minutes of moderate intensity
activity on most days.
• Reduce intake of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet.
(Saturated fat should account for no more than 7-10% of total
calories and cholesterol intake should be reduced to
<300mg/day).
• Increase intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such
as those found in canola oil, olive oil and nuts, while decreasing
intake of saturated and trans fats, such as those found in butter,
red meats and bakery foods.
What are the numbers?
• Consume the majority of your carbohydrate calories in the form of
whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
The National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines
for triglycerides are:
• Keep in mind that substituting carbohydrates for fats may actually
raise triglyceride levels and decrease HDL levels in some people.
Normal
Less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline high
150 to 199 mg/dL
• Include fish high in omega-3 fatty acids at least 2 times per week.
Fatty fish such as salmon, swordfish, mackerel, and sardines are
good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
High
200-499 mg/dL
Very high
500 mg/dL or higher
Triglycerides should be re-measured 3-6 months after lifestyle
changes are initiated. If triglyceride levels do not decrease, then
medication may be needed.
For people with borderline or high triglyceride levels, treatment should
emphasize weight reduction (if needed) and exercise. Medications are
recommended for people with very high triglyceride levels.
For more information visit: http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.edu