Triglycerides

When talking about heart disease, the conversation will turn to the blood cholesterol level. In a more sophisticated exchange, the ratio of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ cholesterol will be discussed. The neglected part of the dialogue is the triglyceride level.

Triglycerides are formed when you eat more calories than the body needs right away. Sugars (candy, soda, cake) and simple carbohydrates (bread, rice, potatoes) are major culprits in boosting triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels are most often seen with pre-diabetes, diabetes, obesity and a sedentary life-style.

Elevated triglycerides, especially when combined with low HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol) contributes to hardening of the arteries. The arteries are the blood vessels that travel from the heart delivering oxygen-rich blood to the tissues that need nourishment. Hard and stiff (in contrast to soft and expandable) arteries don’t do a good job with blood flow and run the risk of causing heart attacks and stroke. Other factors that cause hardening of the arteries are elevated blood pressure, cigarette smoking and age. Age is the only risk factor that cannot be modified: every other risk factor is under our direct control.

Obese children have accelerated aging of their blood vessels. The good news is that children are resilient and embracing a good diet and getting regular exercise can restore health to their blood vessels.

In adults, the combination of high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol is a portent of impending diabetes. Medication is not the answer here – cutting calories and getting daily exercise is. Make water the beverage of choice. Don’t eat manufactured sweets. Get off the couch. Make the triglyceride level part of the conversation.