Cholesterol and triglycerides play necessary roles in how well our bodies function but elevated levels of these substances can increase your risk for heart disease. More than 102 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol levels, according to the American Heart Association, and more than 35 million of these Americans have levels high enough to put them at risk for developing heart disease. Understanding the level of good cholesterol and triglycerides can put you in control of your risk for cardiac conditions.
Function
Cholesterol and triglycerides are lipids, or fatty substances. The body converts excess calories, alcohol and sugar to triglycerides which are then stored in fat cells throughout the body. Cholesterol is a necessary component in the structure of cell membranes; production of testosterone and estrogen; and metabolism of vitamins A, D, E and K.
Considerations
Fast for nine to 12 hours before having your blood drawn to ensure accurate results. Food and beverages affect HDL and triglycerides. Additionally, you should not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before having your blood drawn because alcohol drastically increases triglycerides. Lab results report HDL and triglycerides levels in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. A lipid profile measures HDL and triglycerides along with LDL and total cholesterol.
HDL
HDL offers the most protection to your heart when levels are above 60 mg/dL. Women whose HDL levels are below 50 mg/dL and men with levels lower than 40 mg/dL are at increased risk for developing heart disease. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is beneficial because it scrapes excess cholesterol from inside arterial walls and transports it to the liver, where it is processed and excreted along with other body wastes. Low levels of HDL cannot remove enough bad cholesterol to prevent accumulation of this waxy substance inside blood vessels.
Triglyceride
Triglyceride levels below 150 mg/dL are the healthiest. Triglyceride levels between 200 and 499 are high. Levels above 500 mg/dL are very high. Triglyceride levels higher than 1000 mg/dL increase the risk of developing pancreatitis and treatment to reduce triglycerides should begin immediately.
Risk
Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Excess cholesterol in the blood can harden into plaque, which injures blood vessels and prevents blood from flowing properly to vital organs, including the kidneys, brain and muscles of the heart.
Treatment
Treatment consists of a healthy diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and possibly prescription medications. A person with low HDL and high triglycerides should eat modest portions of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Increase dietary fiber by eating whole grain products, fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat fish once to twice a week or take omega-3 fatty acids, which have a healthy effect on cholesterol levels. Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week. Quit smoking. Alcohol has a particularly potent effect on triglycerides. Do not drink alcohol if your triglycerides are high. Balance your levels of good cholesterol and triglycerides with prescription medications, including niacin, fibrates and statins.
