Hypertriglyceridemia is a health condition where a person has an exorbitant level of triglycerides. In the realm of heart health, triglycerides serve as a vital indicator. The number of triglycerides represents how healthy a personÕs heart maybe. High triglycerides are linked to a host of ailments: obesity, metabolic syndrome, an increased risk of heart disease and even a stroke.
Similar to cholesterol, triglycerides are another type of fat that circulates throughout the blood. What makes these two fat building agents different are how they work. While triglycerides act as an energy source for the body, the role of cholesterol is to build cells as well as various hormones. Because both cholesterol and triglycerides are unable to dissolve in blood, with the aid of protein packages referred to as lipoproteins, they are mobilized throughout the body.
When humans ingest food, the body transforms extraneous calories into triglycerides. Next, triglycerides are stored in fat cells. To stimulate energy between meals, hormones liberate or release these triglycerides. Individuals who consume more calories then they expend generally have hypertriglyceridemia or levels of high triglycerides.
Moreover, some medical experts contend that people just a little over the average body mass index (BMI) have high triglycerides. People with high blood pressure and an elevated cholesterol level should try to reduce triglycerides because it could place the heart at risk of poor health.
Blood tests detail the number of triglycerides. For a better understanding of whatÕs deemed the norm, review the range of a healthy triglycerides levelÓ
Very high Ñ 500 mg/dL and higher
High Ñ 200 to 499 mg/dL
Borderline high Ñ 150 to 199 mg/dL
Normal Ñ Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
© Copyright 2004 HelpandInformation.com
Top of Page
