Weight and metabolism
High cholesterol and triglycerides
Short answer
Cholesterol is an essential substance for the body: it takes part in building cell walls and is needed to produce sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone), vitamin D and bile acids. But when it gets too high, it becomes a threat to the organs: it builds up in the walls of blood vessels and increases the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. According to the doctor’s note, one of the main causes of the rise is liver problems.
When very high, it builds up in artery walls.
General information
- What high triglycerides do:
- the risk of heart disease increases and the blood vessels get blocked (atherosclerosis);
- when very high, pancreatitis can develop — sudden, severe abdominal pain (a dangerous condition);
- fatty liver disease — the liver enlarges and is damaged;
- insulin resistance leads to diabetes;
- metabolic syndrome develops: obesity, blood pressure and blood sugar problems all together.
- How to protect yourself:
- stay away from trans fats;
- prefer vegetables and high-fiber foods;
- walk for 30 minutes every day;
- when necessary, be sure to see a doctor.
Bad habits, unhealthy eating and physical inactivity raise cholesterol far above normal.
In the doctor’s practice
cholesterol and triglycerides are assessed, and the risk of atherosclerosis is taken into account. The treatment plan is built with endocrine causes — for example, thyroid function and insulin resistance — in mind.
Q&A
Is cholesterol always “bad”?
No. Cholesterol is needed for cell walls, hormones and vitamin D. The problem is when it gets too high.
My triglycerides are high. How serious is this?
High triglycerides increase cardiovascular risk, fatty liver and insulin resistance. When they are very high, pancreatitis — sudden, severe abdominal pain — can develop.