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and Health
Cholesterol and triglycerides are two of the most important components of a person’s blood lipid profile, which is an important indicator of a person’s overall health. Having high cholesterol or triglyceride levels in the blood can be a sign of risks for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, among other conditions. Join us as we explore what you need to know about cholesterol and triglycerides.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found naturally in the body, playing an important role in maintaining the structure of cells and producing some hormones. It is also consumed through diet, being found in certain animal-based foods, such as dairy products, eggs, and red meat. The body needs some cholesterol, but excess cholesterol can build up in the bloodstream, forming plaque. This can impact the functioning of the cardiovascular system leading to an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and other health issues.
What is Triglyceride?
Triglycerides are another form of fat that is required for energy storage, among other functions. They are a type of lipid (fat) found in the bloodstream and are made in part from energy and calories we consume in our diet. People with high triglyceride levels in the blood can be at risk for heart and blood vessel related diseases.
What are Safe Levels of Cholesterol and Triglyceride?
For cholesterol, it’s recommended that your total cholesterol level should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), with your good cholesterol a.k.a high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels should be over 40 mg/dL.
For triglycerides, ideal levels should be less than 150 mg/dL. Higher levels may require treatment and lifestyle changes.
How to Manage and Reduce High Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels?
If your cholesterol or triglyceride levels are above the safe range, there are several lifestyle and medical approaches you can take to reduce them and improve your overall health.
- Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy diet, improving physical activity, monitoring drinking, and quitting smoking are all effective ways to improve your total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be necessary to control high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, such as statins for cholesterol and fibrates for triglycerides.
Conclusion
Cholesterol and triglycerides are two of the most important components of a person’s blood lipid profile, and both should be managed to ensure good health and reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. Thankfully, with lifestyle and medical interventions, it is possible to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels within the safe range.
