At any time when we speak about coronary heart assaults brought on by plaque deposits within the blood vessels, we at all times speak about controlling ldl cholesterol. Fact is whereas ldl cholesterol will get a lot of the consideration, triglycerides are one other important threat issue. In truth, when their ranges stand up above 100 mg/dL, they too start accelerating plaque buildup within the arteries.
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a sort of fats discovered within the blood. They play a vital function in storing and transporting vitality all through the physique. Nevertheless, elevated triglyceride ranges could be dangerous to coronary heart well being and considerably enhance the danger of cardiovascular illnesses.
How do Triglycerides kind plaques?
One of many main methods elevated triglycerides influence the center is by thickening and hardening artery partitions, a situation often called atherosclerosis. This course of results in the buildup of fatty deposits or plaques, which slim the arteries, prohibit blood move, and enhance the danger of coronary heart assaults and strokes. Excessive triglyceride ranges are sometimes accompanied by low ranges of HDL (good ldl cholesterol) and excessive ranges of LDL (unhealthy ldl cholesterol), creating an ideal storm for cardiovascular issues.
Furthermore, excessive triglycerides are carefully linked to different well being situations, similar to weight problems, metabolic syndrome, kind 2 diabetes, and hypertension, all of which additional exacerbate the danger of coronary heart illness. Elevated triglycerides may also contribute to pancreatitis, a painful irritation of the pancreas, including one other layer of well being issues.
When you eat, your metabolism breaks down your meals in order that your physique can draw vitality. Once we eat extra energy—particularly from sugary meals, refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fat—the physique converts these into triglycerides, that are saved in fats cells for future use. Whereas this storage mechanism is crucial for vitality stability, persistently excessive ranges result in critical well being points.
The breakdown of triglycerides leaves some byproducts or “remnant particles.” These embrace leftover bits of ldl cholesterol and fatty acids, which had been bunched along with triglycerides. These float round, set off irritation of your arteries that results in plaque buildup. So, though triglycerides don’t follow your artery partitions, they’re the explanation that arteries slim and breakaway particles block them within the first place.
Why do triglycerides rise?
Excessive triglyceride ranges typically come from consuming extreme fat—notably from sources like oils, dairy, and animal merchandise. Nevertheless, even seemingly wholesome meals like nuts could be problematic for coronary heart sufferers. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews, whereas nutritious, are excessive in fat however and ought to be had carefully or averted by these with coronary heart illness. It’s important to give attention to a weight loss program low in fat and oils to cut back the danger of blockages.
Managing triglyceride ranges is essential as a result of it will probably stop these situations from progressing. Common bodily exercise, a balanced weight loss program wealthy in omega-3 fatty acids, and avoiding extreme sugars and trans fat are efficient methods to keep up wholesome triglyceride ranges. For some, drugs can also be essential to convey ranges right into a safer vary. In essence, controlling triglycerides is crucial for sustaining not simply coronary heart well being however total wellness and longevity.
(Dr Chhajer is former AIIMS guide and director at Saaol Coronary heart Centre, New Delhi)
