Hyperlipidemia – Triglycerides increased description, causes, risk factors – Diagnosis dyslipidaemia – Triglycerides increased treatment

High Triglycerides (Triglycerides, High; Hypertriglyceridemia; Hyperlipidemia; Dyslipidemia)

What does elevated triglycerides?

Trigliceridy – chemical substances, complete esters of glycerol and fatty monobasic acids, which are one of the components of the cell membrane and fat cells. When elevated levels of triglycerides, it may lead to coronary heart disease and stroke occurrence.

Triglycerides increased – causes

Among the reasons for the high level of triglycerides in the body may be:

  • Excessive production of triglycerides in the body;
  • Excessive consumption of dietary triglycerides;
  • Kidney problems;
  • Liver disease;

Risk factors for dyslipidemia

Factors, that may increase the risk of increased triglycerides include:

  • Advanced age;
  • Paul: male;
  • Family history of hyperlipidemia;
  • A diet high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol;
  • Postmenopausal women;
  • Lack of exercise;
  • Obesity;
  • Smoking;
  • Excessive alcohol consumption;
  • Certain diseases, including:
    • Diabetes;
    • Low levels of thyroid hormones;
    • Cushing's syndrome;
  • Taking certain medications, such as birth control pills and Isotretinoin, which is used for the treatment of acne.

Hyperlipidemia Symptoms

High triglyceride levels usually do not cause symptoms. Very high levels of triglycerides can cause:

  • Abdominal pain;
  • Nausea and vomiting, related to the development of acute pancreatitis.

Elevated triglyceride levels may increase the risk of atherosclerosis – a dangerous hardening of the arteries from the accumulation of plaque on their walls. It may eventually block blood flow. In some cases it may be:

  • Angina;
  • Heart attack;
  • Stroke;
  • Other serious complications.

Diagnosis dyslipidaemia

This disease is diagnosed by blood tests, when measuring blood levels of triglycerides. It is recommended to perform a blood test for lipids at least once every five years, since the age of 20. Besides, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lipid screening for children, at risk, eg, with a family history of hyperlipidemia or significant obesity.

Determining the level of triglycerides can be part of the analysis on the lipid profile, which defines:

  • Total cholesterol;
  • LDL (bad cholesterol);
  • HDL (good cholesterol);
  • Triglycerides.

Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier testing, If you have observed:

  • Family history of hyperlipidemia;
  • Risk factor or disease, which can result in hyperlipidemia;
  • Complication, which may occur as a result of hyperlipidemia.

Triglycerides increased treatment

Treatment is aimed not only at normalizing triglyceride levels, but also to reduce the overall risk of heart disease and stroke.

Diet for high triglycerides

  • Eat foods low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol;
  • Avoid alcohol consumption;
  • Eat foods high in fiber.

Lifestyle changes with an increase in triglycerides

  • Maintain a healthy weight;
  • If you smoke, try to quit;
  • Exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor, Before you perform the exercise;
  • Start the treatment of other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Medications for the treatment of hyperlipidemia

There are a number of drugs, such as statins, for the treatment of the disease and reduce the risk of heart disease. Statynы, as shown, can reduce the risk of death, heart attack and stroke in patients with high triglycerides. Talk to your doctor about taking these medicines.

These medicines are best used as an adjunct to diet and exercise, and their reception should not replace lifestyle changes.

Prevention hyperlipidemia

To reduce the likelihood of developing hyperlipidemia:

  • Are tested to measure cholesterol levels, since 20 years, or younger, if you have risk factors;
  • Eat foods low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol;
  • If you smoke, Consult with your doctor about, how to throw;
  • Drink alcohol in moderation – 80 g strong alcohol a day for men and 40 g per day per day for women;
  • Maintain a healthy weight;
  • Exercise regularly. Before that consult on this matter with your doctor;
  • If you have diabetes, be sure to control the level of sugar in the blood;
  • Talk to your doctor about taking any medications. Some of them may have side effects, and cause an increase in the level of triglycerides.

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