The risk of heart disease comes in many forms, as do the fats in your blood that increase your risk. You might think that triglycerides and cholesterol are one in the same, but this is not the case as both perform important vital functions for your body. In some instances, each can cause harm as well.
Significance
High triglycerides and normal cholesterol levels can exist simultaneously in your body. Although they serve different purposes, they present the same the same health risks whether one is too high and the other is within normal range. Recognizing these differences and understanding their affects on your body is essential for proper treatment.
Function
Triglycerides are a chemical form of fat that exists in food and in your body, according to the American Heart Association. They are in the blood plasma, and come from energy sources such as carbohydrates; any unused calories convert themselves into triglycerides, which store themselves in fat cells.Triglycerides the body does not use for energy builds up, increasing your risk for heart disease. Forming plasma lipids -- or fats -- is their connection to cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance the body produces to form cells and produce hormones. Cholesterol circulates around the lipids in your body, unable to dissolve in your blood, relying on lipoproteins such as LDL to carry it to the cells. Excess amounts of LDL increases your risk for heart disease.
Due to the differences in their formation and function, it is possible for one to be too high and the other to be normal.
Identification
The only way to detect both cholesterol and triglyceride levels, your doctor must order a blood test known as a lipid profile. Although these are different types of lipids, both are in the blood and the lipid profile detects them both. This is the only way to determine the right course of treatment, as methods vary slightly.
Borderline high for triglycerides is 150 to 199 mg/dL, high is 200 to 499 and very high is 500 mg/dL or greater.
Treatment
Treatment for high triglyceride levels is similar for high cholesterol levels when high cholesterol is your problem. Lowering your intake of saturated fats, eliminating trans fats, lowering your cholesterol and increasing physical activity are all methods of treatment that mirror each other. The two major differences is cutting back on refined sugar and caloric intake -- these break down and convert into triglycerides.
If cholesterol-lowering medication is necessary, some work better for triglycerides; these are niacin and fibrates. Statins are typically the drug of choice if your cholesterol levels are elevated.
Considerations
Take the time to learn about all facets of blood fats, as they can increase your risk of heart disease. Although triglycerides and cholesterol perform different functions in your body, they both present the same risk when their levels are too high. Taking the time to change your lifestyle and dietary habits before problems arise is easier than treating them when they occur.
