The liver's hepatic artery hardens when excess triglycerides form plaque within the blood vessel. This hardening, known as atherosclerosis, is a commonly known risk factor for a heart attack, stroke and high-blood pressure. Plaque narrows the artery, allowing less blood and oxygen to get to the liver. Picture how much more effort it takes to work hard when you are getting less than needed nourishment. Likewise, the liver becomes less efficient. Adults as well as children suffer when the blood triglyceride level is too high and the liver does not function at maximum efficiency.
Tryglyceride Levels
Triglyceride levels are the amount of triglycerides, a component of body fat, in the bloodstream. The National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines list triglyceride levels as "normal less than 150 mg/dL, high 200 to 499 mg/dL and very high 500 mg/dL or higher." Levels higher than normal are not beneficial and can contribute to diseased blood vessels, liver and other organs in the body.
Liver Basics
The liver is a large oblong organ on the right side of the abdomen, under the diaphragm and just under the rib cage. This organ is exceptionally busy and has many responsibilities. Think of it as one gigantic filter for the body. The liver is also a gland, because it not only produces substances like triglycerides, but it also sends substances to other parts of the body.
Liver Functions
The liver produces and then sends bile acids to the intestine to help to break down dietary fats . The intestine absorbs these emulsified fats and transfers them into the bloodstream. This blood, containing the emulsified fats, travels through the portal vein and dumps into the liver. Inside the liver, these fats break down further into different end-products, one of which is triglyceride. The liver can also make up to 80 percent of the cholesterol needed by the body. The amount the liver produces depends on the cholesterol intake throughout the day. Unfortunately, the average diet in the United States contains more triglycerides than the body needs. The excess has to be stored in the body.
Liver Disease
Fatty liver, also called steatosis, is a condition resulting triglycerides and fat making up more than 5 percent to 10 percent of the liver's weight. The liver stores the fat and extra triglycerides, causing the liver to enlarge.
Liver inflammation, steatohepatitis, can occur if other co-morbidities are present, such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome or alcoholism. Inflammation can lead to scarring and hardening of the liver. If untreated, it can become extensive and lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
Portal hypertension is also a concern. A buildup of plaque in the liver's main artery causes high-blood pressure within the liver. This endangers the liver's smaller arteries; because of the increased pressure, it may even cause those arteries to rupture.
Liver Maintenance
Most people do not think of maintaining a healthy liver, but it is an essential organ. High-triglycerides are not a direct cause of liver disease, but can significantly contribute to it. Normal lipid levels, a proper diet, and proper exercise are necessary to maintain a healthy liver.
