High triglycerides, reference values and when to worry

Having high triglycerides is a risk factor for cardiovascular health. Let's find out together what the reference values are and when they should alarm us. 

When we undergo blood tests, cholesterol is not the only substance we should be concerned about: high triglycerides can also increase the risks posed to our health. In fact, these fats-the most abundant type found in our bodies-also jeopardize the well-being of our hearts and arteries, promoting the onset of cardiovascular disease and serious events such as heart attacks and strokes. 

Here is what exactly it is and what the reference values are for our blood tests.

Not only in blood

Just as with cholesterol, triglycerides are also transported in the blood within particles made up of protein and fat, the VLDLs (Very Low Density Lipoproteins). VLDLs transport triglycerides taken in through the diet to different tissues in the body; for example, butter, oils, and other fat-source foods are sources of triglycerides. However, triglycerides can also be synthesized by the body. In particular, the liver can produce them from both sugars and alcohol; therefore, any carbohydrates taken in excess of the body's needs can be converted, as can alcohol, precisely into triglycerides. The latter can then accumulate in adipose tissue; triglycerides, therefore, are not only present in the blood but also in adipose.

High triglycerides: the causes

One of the reasons behind the high triglycerides is a diet that is too high in energy. In fact, if you take in more energy than you need, the body converts the excess energy into triglycerides to store in the adipose tissue. This is the reason why, as mentioned, sugars are converted into triglycerides. Similarly, the body also converts excess alcohol into triglycerides, but the factors that can promote their increase are also others, namely:

• overweight and obesity;
• cigarette smoking;
• thyroid problems;
• Liver or kidney disease;
• Type 2 diabetes that is not being adequately controlled;
• genetic problems-particularly in cases of familial hypertriglyceridemia, an inherited disease caused by a defect in a gene;
• The taking of certain medications.

High triglycerides: the reference values

To find out if triglyceride levels are too high, it is sufficient to undergo a simple blood draw. The reference values are set at 150 mg/dL. This means that starting from this concentration one should begin to worry. In fact triglyceride values greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL are considered a risk factor for arterial health. The situation is considered particularly risky if such high triglyceride levels are associated with low levels of HDL cholesterol or a metabolic syndrome. Results below 150 mg/dL, on the other hand, can be considered normal. Fortunately, lifestyle can help keep them below these reference values. The weapons to use are:

• weight control;
• physical activity;
• abstinence from smoking;
• The restriction of alcohol consumption;
• eating habits.
  

In particular, the diet should not be rich in sugars and refined foods. In addition, saturated fats typical of foods such as butter and meats should be preferred to unsaturated fats, especially Omega-3 from fish, which can also be taken in the form of quality dietary supplements such as Cardiol, which also helps control blood cholesterol.

High triglycerides: the symptoms

It is not uncommon to have no particular symptoms even if triglycerides exceed optimal values. Given, however, that having very high triglycerides increases the risk of acute pancreatitis, it may be that hypertriglyceridemia manifests itself with the very warning signs of this condition, which include:

• nausea;
• Epigastric pain (in the upper abdomen, below the ribs);
• eruptive xanthomas (small, reddish-yellow skin formations, sometimes itchy or sensitive to touch, containing fat);
• retinal lipemia (a condition in which fat accumulates in the blood vessels at the back of the eye, staining it a faint red).

In addition, since possible causes of high triglycerides include familial chylomicronemia syndrome and primary mixed hyperlipidemia type 5 (two disorders of genetic origin characterized by the accumulation of chylomicrons), it is possible that hypertriglyceridemia is associated with some of their symptoms.In addition to epigastric pain, retinal lipemia, and eruptive xanthomas (often clustered at the trunk, buttocks, or limbs), symptoms common to these disorders include:

• Hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of liver and spleen);
• Focal neurological disorders (e.g., irritability);
• Epigastric pain.

Finally, hypertriglyceridemia associated with familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (a condition caused by the accumulation of a particular type of VLDL), can lead to yellowing of the palmar folds and the formation of tuberous xanthomas (cutaneous fat accumulations whose size can reach up to 3 cm in diameter).

Not only in blood

Just as with cholesterol, triglycerides are also transported in the blood within particles made up of protein and fat, the VLDLs(Very Low Density Lipoprotein) and chylomicrons. Chylomicrons transport triglycerides taken in through food; for example, butter, oils, and other fat-source foods are sources of triglycerides. VLDL, on the other hand, carry triglycerides synthesized by the body. The liver can produce them either from sugars or from alcohol; therefore, any carbohydrates taken in excess of the body's needs can be converted, as can alcohol, precisely into triglycerides.

Sources:

MedlinePlus. Familial hypertriglyceridemia. https://goo.gl/Edj29g, 04/05/18 MedlinePlus. Triglycerides. https://goo.gl/ERwTCP, 04/05/18

MedlinePlus. Triglycerides level. https://goo.gl/DzoZBv, 04/05/18 Ministry of Health. Guidelines for the prevention of atherosclerosis. September 2004 Image: Phillip Jeffrey - Flickr