I’m sure everyone has heard of triglycerides. Many associate it with cholesterol, thinking they are the same thing. But in reality they are two different elements. While it is true that they are two types of fat, they have their differences. They are formed differently and serve different functions. This is why it is important to know how to differentiate them.
So that everyone is clear about what triglycerides are and what their proper levels are, today we have prepared an article that will clarify all your doubts. Because it is very important to know their functions and to have them controlled, to avoid future health problems.
Triglycerides are a type of fat that is produced in the liver and that we also find in certain types of food. Lipoproteins (which are formed in the intestine and liver) are in charge of transporting them through our blood.
They are used as a source of energy for the metabolic needs of our muscles and brain. They are stored in the form of fat tissue. They are considered the most efficient way for the body to store the energy it needs to meet its basic needs.
As you can see, they are a fundamental element for our body to function properly, hence the importance of understanding how they work and the levels we should have.
Below, we tell you what the optimal levels of triglycerides in the blood should be:
Know the proper levels of triglycerides
The doctor will tell us what our levels are, as they may vary from person to person. Keep in mind that factors such as age and sex can influence the determination of appropriate levels.
However, we can get an idea through some indicative values. These are the following levels:
- Normal: below 150 mg/dL
- Medium-high: between 150 and 199 mg/dL
- High: are between 200 and 499 mg/dL
- Very high: above 500 mg/dL
Checking the triglyceride level is very simple, a blood test is sufficient. If the results are too high or too low, our doctor will help us determine the causes of these levels and give us guidelines to return to the proper levels.
It is usually due to being overweight, so a good low-fat diet is recommended in these cases. Although certain medications can also favour the increase of triglycerides in the blood, so it is vital to determine the origin in order to decide on the best treatment.
It is important to have good triglyceride levels to avoid suffering from cardiovascular conditions if we have too many or to avoid a lack of energy to cover our daily metabolic needs if we have too few.
Now that you know what triglycerides are and how easy it is to know their levels, visit your doctor to find out, he will solve all your doubts and help you interpret the results. If you need it, he will tell you which is the best treatment for your case.