Increased triglycerides in blood tests. Involvement of triglycerides in general disease. Causes of elevated triglycerides

Triglycerides – organic compounds lipid group, which are the main source of energy for the body's cells; in addition, they are responsible for the cellular membrane structure. Triglyceride synthesis occurs in the intestines, as well as in the kidneys; their level depends on age and some other factors. General analysis blood allows you to identify triglycerides: the norm of their content indicates the absence of diseases, and its excess can be evidence of a number of negative processes.

The unit of measurement of TG in blood is mol/liter, the parameter depends on age characteristics and gender of the patient. Normal quantity in the blood is determined within the following limits:

• 0-15 years. For women, the norm is 0.4-1.48, for men - 0.34-1.15.
• 15-25. Women - 0.4-1.53, male 0.45-2.27.
• 25-35. Women - 0.44-1.7, male 0.52-3.02.
• 35-45. Women - 0.45-2.16, male. 0.61-3.62.
• 45-55. Women - 0.52-2.63, male. 0.65-3.71.
• 55-65. Women - 0.62-2.96, male. 0.65-3.29.
• 65-75. Women - 0.63-2.71, male. 0.62-3.29.

It is believed that the maximum value that TGs reach in women in adulthood is 1.5 mmol/l. This usually indicates that menopause will soon occur.

What does an increase in triglycerides mean?

If triglycerides begin to rise, this indicates metabolic disorders. Over time, they can lead to various dire consequences, the most serious of them are the following diseases:

1. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. It could be ischemic disease, hypertension, significantly increases the risk of myocardial infarction.
2. This may be pancreatitis in acute or chronic form, diabetes and other diseases.
3. Diseases associated with an unhealthy lifestyle: obesity, alcoholism; such patients also often have liver damage, including cirrhosis.
4. Disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system are a disruption of the functioning of cerebral vessels. Elevated TG is also often diagnosed in people with genetic effects such as Down syndrome.

There are other groups of diseases that can manifest themselves as increased TG in the body. This is evidence systemic disorder metabolism, therefore, an increase in triglyceride levels often indicates the presence of problems in the functioning of several organ systems.

What does a decrease in triglycerides mean?

Triglyceride levels begin to decrease with malnutrition and may also signal a number of pathological processes: these are obstructive pulmonary diseases, deep lesions of liver tissue, hyperthyroidism, etc. This indicator may also indicate malabsorption syndrome, lactosuria and some others pathological conditions. Thus, a blood test for triglycerides greatly simplifies the diagnosis. A change in indicators that deviates from the norm is evidence that organs and tissues are not working correctly, and metabolic processes need to be adjusted.

How can you lower your triglyceride levels?

If a high level of TG is detected in the blood, return it to normal frames Nutritional adjustments will help. Using a certain diet will help eliminate some other metabolic disorders. First of all, this sea ​​fish, as well as all kinds of seafood. A large-scale study was carried out with an experimental and control group, it made it possible to establish that if you eat at least 200 g of fish per day, this will reduce the TG content in the blood.

The experiments weren't limited to fish: the study also looked at the inclusion of oysters, clams or crustaceans in the diet. They also turned out to be quite effective in the fight to lower TG levels. Their diet will have to exclude several food groups:

• Flour products, cakes, etc., as well as refined sugar. They negatively affect metabolism; overeating can cause obesity and diabetes.
• Alcoholic drinks. has a destructive effect on various organs and systems: it can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, and has a bad effect on the condition of blood vessels and the functioning of the heart.
• Fatty meat foods: lard, brisket, bacon, etc. Overeating will cause obesity, in addition, such foods provide very little benefit to the body.
• In addition to diet, the doctor may prescribe several types medicines.

Medicines that reduce TG levels in the blood

The TG indicator is quite informative

Elevated triglyceride levels often begin in old age and are difficult to reverse with simple dietary changes. There are several groups of drugs that could help achieve the desired effect faster. These are Omega-3 fatty acids - the familiar fish oil that is a constant source useful substances for the body. If earlier fish oil was inconvenient to take, now it is produced in plastic capsules: this allows the patient to be relieved of any discomfort.

Other substances that help lower TG include nicotinic acid. This is an organic acid, the intake of which helps to normalize liver function and prevent negative processes. Fibrates, another type of organic acid that is highly effective, have a similar effect.

What are triglycerides in a biochemical blood test? Triglycerides (TGL) in the blood are organic molecules that are fats. The range of their functions is very wide, but the main ones include maintaining an energy depot in the form of adipose tissue and stabilizing the membranes of cells of various organs. The main source of triglycerides for humans is fat-containing foods. The level of these lipids in the blood affects human health and can contribute to the occurrence of various diseases, being one of the risk factors. In this regard, a blood test for triglycerides is quite common. laboratory test, allowing the doctor to obtain important information.

A thorough examination in the clinic reveals whole line negative conditions of the body, including diseases, syndromes and other factors that directly affect the body

Triglycerides are important components cell membranes and sources of energy for the body.

Triglycerides: structure and functions

A triglyceride is a lipid containing the trihydric alcohol glycerol and associated fatty acids. The diversity of its functions does not allow us to talk about it exclusively in a negative context. They are the ones essential component cell membranes and a source of energy. Lipid synthesis occurs in the intestinal wall during absorption fatty acids from food, in liver cells and adipose tissue.

The optimal level of triglycerides in the blood for a particular person depends primarily on his age. Exceeding the norm in triglyceride tests may serve as a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic lesions blood vessels, coronary heart disease and strokes. Therefore, triglyceride testing is the most important part diagnosis of these diseases.

IN last years There was a revision of the optimal values ​​for the concentration of triglycerides in the blood. The old norm for lipids is 1.8–2.3 mmol/l, however, studies have shown that when lipids in the blood exceed 1.1 mmol/l, the risk of atherosclerosis and related complications increases significantly.

Increased triglyceride levels

A biochemical blood test for triglycerides allows you to determine a particular person’s risk of various diseases. As a rule, an increase in lipid levels is observed in people with low physical activity and serious dietary errors.

Higher than normal triglycerides can also be increased due to oral contraception, various drugs sex hormones, as well as during pregnancy

An increase in the amount of fat in the blood is associated with diseases such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension and arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hepatitis and hepatosis, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, thyroid and pancreatic dysfunction. It is important to remember that triglycerides can also increase when physiological conditions(for example, during pregnancy) and when taking certain medications:

• oral contraceptives;
• steroid hormones;
• glucocorticosteroids;
• antihypertensive drugs (beta blockers, a number of diuretics);
• immunosuppressive drugs.

It is worth noting that an increase in triglyceride levels may occur due to genetic disorders in lipid metabolism. This condition is usually detected already in early age. In addition, the cause may be a diet high in animal fats and deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.

Indications for analysis

The World Health Organization classifies blood lipid levels as the most important prognostic factor for a number of diseases. It is these diseases or their risk of occurrence that are indications for determining the content of triglycerides in the blood:

• Establishing the risk of atherosclerotic artery disease and related diseases - coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, thrombosis of intestinal or extremity arteries.
• Determination of the specific form of hyperlipidemia.
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of lipid-lowering treatment.
• Diabetes mellitus of any type.
• Obesity associated with external factors or diseases of the endocrine system.
• Previous cardiovascular diseases (stroke or heart attack).

According to the preventive program in Russia, determination of blood triglyceride levels should be carried out in citizens over the age of 20, once every five years. This allows you to promptly identify a risk factor and prevent the development of serious illnesses of cardio-vascular system.

Age norms of blood triglycerides

The level of triglycerides in the blood depends very much on both a person’s age and gender. In this regard, there are developed indicators of normal blood lipids for each age group.

As a rule, at an early age, the content of triglycerides in the blood of girls exceeds those of boys. But, during puberty it changes hormonal background in the body, which leads to increased content lipids in men relative to women.

Optimal triglyceride values ​​in adulthood are up to 2.3 mmol/l. An increase in lipid concentrations of more than 5.6 mmol/l is regarded as hypertriglyceridemia and is an important risk factor for diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Only the attending physician should interpret the obtained values.

It is important for patients to remember that these diseases do not occur solely due to the presence of hypertriglyceridemia. Great importance have other components lipid profile blood: cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and lipoproteins high density(HDL). An increase in the amount of cholesterol and LDL along with a decrease in HDL is also an important risk factor for atherosclerotic damage to the vascular bed. Therefore, when prescribing tests for triglycerides, the content of LDL, HDL and cholesterol in the blood is also examined to obtain more full picture patient's health.

Treatment of elevated triglycerides

The best method for correcting hypertriglyceridemia is lifestyle changes and modifications. eating behavior and increasing levels of physical activity.

By reviewing your diet, you can naturally and easily get rid of excess triglycerides

This set of activities includes:

• fight with overweight. Obesity itself is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke) and often leads to the development metabolic syndrome, which additionally includes hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Fats in subcutaneous tissue are a major source of triglycerides and may support them increased level in the blood for a long time.
• Refusal of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages, namely the contents contained in them ethanol, lead to an increase in blood glucose levels and promotes the release of triglycerides from adipose tissue, which leads to hypertriglyceridemia and increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis. In addition to this, you yourself alcoholic drinks contain a large amount of calories.
• Sports activities most important factor combating hypertriglyceridemia. Regular exercise, even at low intensity (such as walking), can reduce the amount of triglycerides, LDL and cholesterol in the blood, which has a positive effect on health.
• Changes in diet. Exclusion from food of animal fats in the form fatty varieties meat, sour cream, cream allows you to short time cope with hypertriglyceridemia and others related problems such as obesity. Each patient is recommended to switch to using low-fat varieties meat (poultry, fish), eat increased amount fiber (vegetables, fruits).

There are also medicinal methods combating high lipids. Their prescription and control over their use is carried out by the attending physician.

Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood are the most important risk factor for the development of vascular and heart diseases. Therefore, anyone over the age of 20 should monitor their lifestyle and diet, as well as undergo preventive testing of blood lipid levels every five years. Timely detection of hypertriglyceridemia will help combat it and prevent the occurrence of myocardial infarction or stroke.

Triglycerides are fats that are the main source of energy for the body. To have energy, the body needs to receive calories, which come in the form of food. The extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. According to research, elevated triglyceride levels can lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as certain types of cancer. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications, but lifestyle changes may also be helpful. effective means, which will help reduce triglyceride levels in the blood. Thanks to this, you will significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, heart attack and stroke.

Steps

Changing your diet

Reduce your sugar intake. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and white flour products, increase triglyceride levels. Eliminate white foods from your diet. Avoid cookies, cakes, muffins, pasta, white bread, candy, etc.

• According to research, corn syrup is high in fructose, which is very harmful when it comes to high triglyceride levels. Eliminate foods with high fructose levels from your diet. Pay attention to the ingredients of the products you buy. Consider the sugar content of the product you choose.
• If you find it difficult to give up sweets, have a piece of fruit. Of course, fruits also contain natural sugar, but that doesn't compare to the processed sugar we consume in candy and similar sweets.

1. Eliminate bad fats from your diet. Reduce your fat intake, particularly saturated fat and trans fat. This will help lower your triglyceride levels. Of course, give up completely fatty foods not necessary, but daily norm calories received by the body from fat-containing foods should not exceed 25-35%. Include foods that contain good fats in your diet.

   • Eliminate fast food and processed foods from your diet food products. They contain trans fats, which are very unhealthy. Don't believe everything that is written on the package. Sometimes you can see an inscription that the product you have chosen does not contain trans fats. However, it may contain unhealthy fats, so carefully study the composition of the product before purchasing it. If hydrogenated oil is found among the ingredients, then the product you have chosen contains trans fats.
   • Eliminate from your diet saturated fats, which are found in animal products, such as red meat, butter and pork fat.

2. Include healthy fats in your diet. Replace bad fats with good ones. However, please note that they should also be eaten in limited quantities. Healthy fats include olive oil, nuts and avocados.

   • Make an effort to replace unhealthy fats with healthy ones. For example, use olive oil instead of butter or eat 10-12 almonds instead of cookies.
   • Polyunsaturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids are examples of healthy fats.

3. Limit your cholesterol intake. Daily cholesterol intake should not exceed more than 300 mg. If you suffer from cardiovascular disease, reduce the amount to 200 mg per day. Avoid foods with high cholesterol levels such as red meat, egg yolks and whole milk products. Pay attention to the composition of foods and the amount of cholesterol they contain.

   Include more fish in your diet. Increasing your consumption of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce triglyceride levels. Fish species such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, tuna and salmon are best choice, because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

   Follow healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. As you reduce your intake of foods that contain sugar, eliminate processed foods from your diet, as well as those that contain simple carbohydrates, you will need to increase your intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Follow balanced diet, rich nutrients. Thanks to this, your well-being will improve significantly.

   Lifestyle change

   1. Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol contains a lot of calories and sugar. Therefore, it may increase triglyceride levels. Even small amounts of alcohol can significantly increase triglyceride levels. Some studies show that triglyceride levels increase significantly in women who consume more than one alcoholic drink per day and in men who consume more than two drinks.

      • Some people with very high triglyceride levels will need to eliminate alcoholic drinks from their diet completely.

   2. Pay attention to the ingredients of the products you buy. When shopping, take a couple of extra minutes to read package labels. This will help you determine whether a particular product is worth buying or whether it is better to leave it on the store shelf. It only takes a minute, but it will save both money and health.

      Lose weight. If you have overweight, then having lost only five to ten percent of total weight body, you can lower your triglycerides and cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. The volume of fat cells is directly related to body weight. People who support healthy weight, typically have normal (in other words, healthy) triglyceride levels. Belly fat is a major indicator high level triglycerides.

   3. Do it regularly physical exercise. To lower your triglyceride levels, try doing some form of exercise for 30 minutes every day. Research shows that 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (exercise that keeps your heart rate below 70% of your maximum) helps lower triglyceride levels. Make time for a morning jog or join a pool or gym to reduce your triglyceride levels.

      • The basic method for calculating your maximum heart rate is to subtract your age from 220. Then multiply that number by 0.7. For example, if you are 20 years old, your optimal heartbeat will be 140.
      • Regular exercise stress helps kill two birds with one stone - increase “good” cholesterol, while reducing “bad” cholesterol and reduce triglyceride levels.
      • If you don't have time for a 30-minute workout, try exercising for a few minutes throughout the day. Take a short walk around your neighborhood, take the stairs at work, or try yoga or exercise while watching TV in the evening.

Human glycerol derivatives that serve as a source of energy for the normal functioning of body cells. Their normal levels in the blood of women and men are different. To determine their content, carry out biochemical analysis blood serum. The resulting indicator is used to diagnose many diseases.

Scientific research on the relationship between triglyceride balance and body health

For many years, medical luminaries have been tirelessly researching the effect of triglyceride levels on the human condition. Thus, Finnish scientists conducted a study and proved that in elderly people with an imbalance of cholesterol and increased rate triglycerides (more than 2.3 mmol/l) the risk of heart attack is several times higher than that of peers with normal levels of these substances.

Normal triglyceride levels in men and women of different age groups

The table above shows the normal content of glycerol derivatives in people of different age categories. But American scientists suggest that a level of 1.13 mmol/l is already alarm signal, possible development of heart and vascular diseases. But even if the norm is not increased, it is worth paying attention to another substance that is inextricably linked with triglycerides - cholesterol. Its concentration is also determined at biochemical research blood.

Triglycerides and cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol:

If avoided medical terms, then these two types are “good” and “bad” cholesterol. There should be as much of the first as possible, and as little of the second as possible. The dependence is simple: high rate bad cholesterol invariably entails increased levels of glycerol derivatives.

The human body has “good” and “bad” cholesterol

What do high and low levels of triglycerides in the blood indicate?

If the analysis shows a deviation from the norm, then this is cause for concern. High content speaks of possible cardiovascular ailments, kidney diseases, diabetes, pancreatitis, and all kinds of liver diseases. Biochemistry will invariably show excessive levels of glycerol derivatives in the blood of alcoholics. An increase may also occur during pregnancy or taking hormones. Since the list possible reasons is huge, triglyceride analysis is only a small part of the research to make a correct diagnosis. It is possible to reduce the level of these substances if the causes of deviations from the norm are correctly identified.

A deficiency of these substances can occur in chronic pulmonary diseases, poor nutrition, various injuries, prolonged use of vitamin C, kidney diseases.

Bringing glycerol derivatives to the proper level is possible with the help of medications or folk remedies.

Blood triglyceride test

The biomaterial for this study is deoxygenated blood. Analysis is prescribed for the following purposes:

1. To assess the possibility of the appearance of symptoms of atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cholesterol plaques and there is a risk of complete blockage of the vessel by them.
2. To monitor the progress of treatment with drugs used to reduce the level of glycerol derivatives.

Situations when a doctor prescribes a test for triglycerides:

1. Together with an analysis of cholesterol levels or to determine a general lipid profile. This study recommended for adults who have crossed the 20-year threshold at least once every 4-5 years;
2. IN for preventive purposes if the patient is recommended a diet with a reduced amount of fat, to control lipid levels and determine the risk of heart and vascular diseases;
3. At diabetes mellitus this analysis is not only recommended, it is mandatory, since the levels of sugar and triglycerides are constantly dependent on each other;
4. If a child has been diagnosed with elevated cholesterol levels or heart disease, monitoring of triglycerides is necessary.

Interpretation of results

If a deviation from the norm is detected, 4 risk groups are distinguished:

1. Acceptable risk – up to 1.7 mmol/l – small risk of developing heart and vascular diseases;
2. Average risk – 1.7-2.2 mmol/l – average probability occurrence of heart and vascular diseases;
3. High risk – 2.3-5.6 mmol/l – Great chance the appearance of heart diseases;
4. Very high risk– more than 5.6 mmol/l – critical value, there is a risk of pancreatitis, it is necessary to urgently begin treatment with drugs that reduce the amount of triglycerides in the body.

Triglyceride levels below normal may indicate:

• Hypoliproproteinemia;
• Disorders of the thyroid gland;
• Cerebral infarction;
• Improper absorption function in the intestine;
• Lung diseases.

Medicines designed to lower triglyceride levels

• Fibrates. Belong to carboxylic acids. The decrease in the indicator occurs due to the amphipathic function;
• A nicotinic acid. Acts in the same way as fibrates, but increases the level of “good” cholesterol;
• Omega-3 fatty acids. With their help, a decrease in triglycerides is achieved quickly. Cheap and for everyone accessible remedy, which can be found in every pharmacy - fish oil;
• Statins. Fights “bad” cholesterol.

Fish oil is an accessible source of omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain the right balance triglycerides

The listed drugs must be used with caution. It is worth remembering that taking these drugs can cause various side effects:

• stomach upsets;
• dizziness;
• a sharp decrease in blood pressure;
• breathing problems;
• rash.

Determining the level of triglycerides in the blood is an important step if you have gained excess weight. Excessive intake into the body extra calories, their gradual accumulation is an excellent breeding ground for the development of all kinds of diseases and increased cholesterol levels. It is better to limit yourself to sweets and consume foods with a large proportion of saturated fats - whole milk, cheese, meat, than to treat an acquired illness later.

You can reduce the concentration of glycerol derivatives by giving up sugar. Fructose is found in large quantities V:

• ice cream;
• yoghurts with additives;
• breakfast cereals (cereals, balls, etc.);
• carbonated drinks;
• sweets and baked goods.

Limit yourself to these foods if the balance of triglycerides and cholesterol in your body is imbalanced.

Read the ingredients in products and avoid hidden sugars. Say “no” to products if you see a word ending in “-ose” on the label:

• lactose;
• fructose;
• glucose, etc.

Consume more fiber. This type of nutrition will allow you to always be in good shape. Vegetable salads, baked goods made from whole grain flour, rice - foods rich in fiber that can bring your indicators back to normal.

Eat the “right” fats, which are found in nuts, chicken, olive oil, avocado. Avoid the “bad” fats of crackers, cakes, French fries, and margarine.

Nuts and vegetables are foods that help maintain normal level triglycerides

Fish is a source of omega-3 fats, which the body needs so much.

Nuts, vegetables and greens help maintain the balance of substances in the body.

Avoid alcohol.

Don't overuse sugary drinks. It is better to give up coffee with milk and sugar and drink a cup of aromatic green tea.

Don't lead sedentary lifestyle life. Excess weight – the right way exceed the normal triglyceride level.

Get regular health checks to monitor your triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

As with many other health problems, elevated triglycerides can result from poor daily routine. poor nutrition, bad habits. We decided to lead healthy image life, exercise, eat fresh and healthy products? This means that all indicators will be normal!