Medium-chain triglycerides are short-segment fatty acids with a broad range of potential health benefits. They are metabolized quickly and released as energy; as a result, medium-chain triglycerides are unlikely to be stored as fat. The risks for heart disease are increased as a result of improper dieting, obesity, lack of exercise, stress and diseases such as diabetes and hypertension; however, these risks are minimized with a diet involving more medium-chain triglycerides and less long-chain triglycerides, sodium and sugar.
Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis is normally a slow process that advances gradually with age but poor dietary habits elevate the risks for heart disease as a result of increase atherosclerosis -- a process involving the buildup of plaque within the walls of arteries, thereby narrowing the lumen of the blood vessel. Atherosclerosis increases the resistance of the blood vessel to blood flow. The increased resistance stresses the heart muscle; the heart compensates by increasing in size over time. According to a 2010 "Nutritional Review" article, by reducing the ability of blood to clot and decreasing blood cholesterol levels, medium-chain triglycerides are likely preventative against atherosclerosis.
Benefits of Medium-Chain Triglycerides
Medium-chain triglycerides provide the benefit of high energy supply without the consequence of weight gain. They reduces appetite and are therefore beneficial to lowering total calorie intake. Medium-chain triglycerides may also enhance the immune system by improving its ability to distinguish between normal and foreign cells.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Since the circulation of oxygen-rich blood depends on the heart, shortness of breath is one of the initial symptoms associated with heart disease. Other symptoms of heart disease include chest pain, cough, lightheadedness, dizziness and swelling of the abdomen, legs, ankles and feet.
Evaluation of Heart Disease
Heart disease is a critical condition that must be monitored aggressively to prevent associated dangers. An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is useful as an initial screening tool because it provides a great deal of information on the electrical conduction in the heart; it also yields information on heart rate, rhythm and change in size. An echocardiogram provides information on the flow of blood within heart and integrity of heart valves. The blood may be evaluated for markers that test positive when there is increased volume and stretching of heart chambers.
References
- "Nutrition Review"; Medium Chain Triglycerides Beneficial Effects on Energy, Atherosclerosis and Aging; Ward Dean, MD; 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Disease Symptoms
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Kasper M.D., Braunwald M.D. and Fauci M.D.; 2005
