Triglycerides Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Triglycerides Definition
Triglycerides are a component of fat found in the blood circulation. Triglycerides come from the breakdown of carbohydrates. Actually, triglycerides are not a disease. Triglycerides are useful as a source of energy for the body to move.
However, triglycerides become a disease when the levels are higher than they should be in the body. Triglycerides are considered high (hypertriglyceridemia) when levels are above 150 mg/dl in the blood. Hypertriglyceridemia conditions make a person more susceptible to heart disease, stroke, obesity, inflammation of the pancreas, and diabetes mellitus.
Triglycerides Symptom
Symptoms that can occur when triglyceride levels are too high include:
- Severe stomach pain
- Hard to breathe
- Memory impairment
- Yellowish fat deposits on the skin of the back, chest, arms and legs
Meanwhile, hypertriglyceridemia generally shows no symptoms, unless the level reaches 1000 mg/dl or more.
Triglycerides Reason
Normally, triglyceride levels will tend to increase with age. In addition, the following things also cause high triglyceride levels:
- Excessive consumption of carbohydrates
- A habit of drinking alcohol
- Less physical activity
- Diabetes mellitus
- Pregnancy
- The habit of taking certain drugs such as corticosteroids, isotretinoin, hormonal drugs B
Diagnosis
To determine whether a person has triglyceridemia, it is necessary to check blood triglyceride levels through laboratory tests. For optimal results, it is recommended to fast for 12 hours before blood collection.
Triglycerides Treatment
The main treatment for triglycerides is focused on hypertriglyceridemia. Actions that can be taken are lifestyle and diet changes, including:
- Lose weight
- Physical exercise 4–5 times a week, with a duration of 30–60 minutes each time
- Reduce consumption of carbohydrates and fats
- If you have diabetes, make sure your blood sugar is controlled
If triglyceride levels remain high, the doctor will give triglyceride-lowering drugs such as fibrates, niacin or statins.
Prevention
To prevent hypertriglyceridemia, you should consume carbohydrates in moderation. Meanwhile, the consumption of fiber from vegetables and fruit needs to be increased. Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and drinking alcohol.