Q. I just had my blood work done. My cholesterol is fine but my triglycerides are high.
Can you explain what the difference is and what could make the one be high and the other not?
A. Cholesterol and triglycerides are two forms of fat. Both of them are necessary for life itself. One of the functions of cholesterol is to build cell membranes and several essential hormones.
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body. They are also present in blood plasma and, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma lipids.
In “my” language: triglycerides are a form of fat carried through the blood stream. When you eat, your body converts any calories it does not need at that moment and stores it as triglycerides. When you regularly eat more calories than you burn, you may have high triglycerides. High triglycerides may contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls. Cholesterol readings show LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein which is the “bad” cholesterol) and HDL (High Density Lipoprotein which is the “good” cholesterol).
LDL builds up on the inner walls of the arteries. It can form plaque, a hard deposit that can narrow the arteries. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, a heart attack or stroke can result.
HDL seems to protect against heart attacks. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol back to the liver where it’s passed from the body.
What can cause high cholesterol?
n Increased cholesterol levels can be hereditary.
n A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol can increase levels.
n Being overweight increases LDL and decreases HDL.
n Being sedentary increases LDL and decreases HDL.
n Cholesterol levels increase with age.
n Gender can have effect on cholesterol levels.
What causes high triglycerides?
n Being overweight can increase triglyceride levels.
n Eating more calories than you burn can increase levels.
n Sugary foods and simple carbs can suddenly increase your insulin production and this could increase your triglyceride levels.
n Alcohol, which is high in calories and sugar, has a potent effect on triglycerides.
n Inactivity will increase triglycerides.
Good luck in getting your triglyceride levels down!
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Ester Hoeben is associate executive director of the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA. Contact her with health and fitness questions at 704-636-0111 or ehoeben@rowanymca.com.