Triglycerides and cholesterol are two different types of lipids that circulate in the bloodstream. Because triglycerides and cholesterol do not dissolve in the blood, excess amounts of the lipids remain in the blood attached to protein carriers that transport lipids, which are called lipoproteins, according to MayoClinic.com.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the chemical storage form of fat in food and in the body, according to MayoClinic.com. When you consume excess calories, the body stores them as triglycerides in fat cells. During periods of fasting, such as between meals or during sleep, the body uses these stores of triglycerides as a source of energy. While triglycerides are important in maintaining proper health, if you consistently consume excess calories, triglycerides remain in the bloodstream inside of moving to the fat cells.
Triglyceride Values
Triglyceride values are usually given during a blood screening called a lipid profile, which includes cholesterol values as well. Normal triglyceride values are less than 150 mg/dL of blood. As numbers reach 150 to 199 mg/dL, they are considered borderline high. Triglyceride levels from 200 to 499 mg/dL are considered high, and levels greater than 500 mg/dL are considered extremely high.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is wax-like substance that plays a part in many important body functions. Cholesterol aids in digestive, helps create certain hormones and aids in the synthesis of vitamin D. Cholesterol also makes up an important part of every cell membrane.
The body contains two forms of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The other form of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, is commonly referred to as good cholesterol. High levels of HDL cholesterol in the blood can actually reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Cholesterol Values
Cholesterol values are broken down into three categories: total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Total cholesterol includes all forms of cholesterol. The desirable value for total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL. Optimal values for LDL cholesterol are less than 100 mg/dL. Values between 100 and 129 mg/dL are considered near optimal. The goal for HDL cholesterol is to get your number as high as possible. HDL values 60 mg/dL or above are considered protective against heart disease, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Considerations
High triglyceride and cholesterol levels can damage the inner walls of the arteries, making them more susceptible to accumulation of plaque. The accumulation of plaque is a condition called atherosclerosis and increases a person's risk of developing coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis also increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet and to engage in regular exercise in order to keep triglyceride and cholesterol levels within normal ranges.
