Understanding
Lipid Abnormalities

→ EXPERT INSIGHT INTO MAZE OF
CHOLESTEROLs & TRIGLYCERIDES

There is common misconception that heart attacks only happen to old people, or the ones with unhealthy lifestyle, or having obesity issue and other apparent health conditions. However, of late we have witnessed otherwise healthy individuals, active regular gym going people suffering severe heart attacks to the extent of mortality. Siddharth Shukla, Sunil Grover, Remo D’Souza, Puneeth Rajkumar, Raju Srivastava, Suhsmita Sen and more recently Shreyas Talpade, are few surprising names who suffered heart attacks. Some of them sadly could not make it through. They were apparently fit individuals in their 40s.

What went wrong? Well, in many cases the silent killer being the cholesterols and the triglycerides.

It is very important for every individual, even the ones who hit gym every day, to have a clearer understanding of lipid abnormalities. It is good to not be obese, but cardiovascular issues can hit any person, even in their late 30s.

Lipids, encompassing cholesterol and triglycerides, are essential components of our body. But when these lipids go awry, it triggers a cascade of health concerns. Let’s explore how lipids function and why maintaining a delicate balance is crucial.

“High cholesterol does not discriminate against body type, and body weight does not determine if a person suffers from high cholesterol or high triglycerides.”

– Peter Toth, Director, Preventive Cardiology, CGH Medical Center in Sterling, Illinois.

What are Lipids?

Lipids are molecules that include fats, oils, and other substances. They are a vital part of our body’s composition. Triglycerides store energy, cholesterol builds cell structures, and both play key roles in hormone production and overall bodily functions.

There are four types of Lipids,

Triglycerides: Main storage form of energy in the body. They provide long-term energy reserves.
Phospholipids: Essential components of cell membranes, contributing to their structure and integrity.
Steroids: Serve as important signalling molecules and are precursors to hormones like oestrogen and testosterone.
Waxes (read Cholesterols): Provide protective coatings for various surfaces, such as the skin, to prevent dehydration.

In this article we ain’t going to get into no biology classes. Just keep our context to the two important ones – Triglycerides and Cholesterols.

What are Lipid abnormalities?

Lipids consist of substances known as low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides, which are fatty acids. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs), on the other hand, are considered “good” cholesterol and can be found in the bloodstream.

In the case of lipid abnormalities or disorders, levels of LDLs, triglycerides, or both are typically elevated. HDLs are called good cholesterol because they assist in removing bad cholesterol from the body.

Accumulation of LDLs and triglycerides can lead to the build-up of fatty materials in the body’s tissues, including the arteries. This can have significant implications for cardiovascular health and increase the risk of conditions like heart disease.

According to Peter Toth, Director, Preventive Cardiology, CGH Medical Center in Sterling, Illinois, “People who appear to be thinner assume they are not at risk. Therefore [they] don’t heed the appropriate steps to take toward a healthier lifestyle, which may lead to higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and, ultimately, heart disease.”

Marathon runners, for example, may be harbouring cholesterol and other heart-stopping concerns within their flawlessly toned bodies. Do you know of Jim Fixx, the author of “The Complete Book of Running”? In 1984, he died of a heart attack. Clogged coronary arteries caused that attack (he also had a family history of heart disease, had previously smoked, and had a strenuous job). However, he is not an anomaly: a recent study published in Missouri Medicine discovered that extreme activity, such as marathon running, might increase coronary plaque. So when people talk about “skinny fat,” they mean it! There might be fat veins and veins of fat within the slim body. We don’t think about it since in modern times we continue to glorify slim folks.

Triglycerides

What are triglycerides? Why are they important to us?

Triglycerides, which make up about 95 percent of all dietary fats, are a common type of fat found in both animal and vegetable sources. Once digested, they provide energy for our cells and any excess is stored as body fat to be used between meals.

Consuming more calories than we burn can lead to being overweight or obese, which can result in elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood. Elevated blood triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and are also known as hypertriglyceridemia.

Is having high triglycerides bad?

High triglycerides is definitely bad, because they can lead to hardening of the arteries, thickening of artery walls, and increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Extremely high triglycerides can also cause acute inflammation of the pancreas.

Causes of high triglycerides

In many cases, habitual overeating causes high triglycerides. Occasionally, the trigger is an underlying condition such as:

Excessive alcohol consumption
Adverse side effect of particular medications
Poorly managed diabetes
Hypothyroidism (insufficient production of thyroid hormones)
Some types of liver disease
Some types of kidney disease
Some genetic disorders, including the inherited disease familial hypertriglyceridemia and familial combined hyperlipidemia (triglyceride and LDL are both elevated).

Sometimes, you can have high triglycerides with normal Cholesterol levels

Triglycerides and cholesterol are both types of fat in your blood, but they have different functions. Cholesterol is essential for building cells and for certain hormonal production, while triglycerides are responsible for storing unused calories and converting them into energy.

High levels of triglycerides can be present without high cholesterol levels.

This can occur when the diet is rich in carbohydrates and sugars, but not high cholesterol foods. Other factors such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, lack of exercise, and certain health conditions like liver disease and autoimmune disease can also contribute to high triglyceride levels.

High levels of triglycerides can pose a serious health risk, even if your cholesterol levels are normal. Increased triglycerides can cause the walls of your arteries to become hardened and stiff, a condition known as arteriosclerosis. This can significantly increase the chances of developing serious heart conditions such as heart failure, stroke, and heart attack.

Diagnosis of high triglycerides

A blood test can determine if you have high triglycerides. To ensure accurate results, it may be necessary to undergo multiple blood tests. It is advisable to abstain from eating for at least 12 hours prior to each blood test. This is because food, especially fatty food, can momentarily increase triglyceride levels in the blood and affect the reliability of the test results.

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Triglycerides are measured in mmol/L. The range includes:

Very high – over 6 mmol/L
High – between 2 and 6 mmol/L
Borderline high – between 1.7 and 2 mmol/L
Normal – below 1.7 mmol/L

The doctor may also check your cholesterol levels. It is common for high triglycerides and high cholesterol to occur together. This condition is sometimes referred to as combined hyperlipidemia.

Triglyceride-lowering lifestyle changes

Quit smoking
Reduce alcohol consumption
Avoid sugar and simple carbs
Cut down on saturated fat
Maintain a moderate weight
Take balanced diet
Exercise consistently
Regular Health Checkups

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Cholesterols

What are cholesterols? What do they do?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is not inherently “bad.” It is necessary for building cells and producing vitamins and hormones. However, excessive cholesterol can be problematic.

There are two sources of cholesterol. Your liver produces the required amount, while the remaining cholesterol comes from animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, and dairy products.

These foods also contain high levels of saturated and trans fats, which cause the liver to produce more cholesterol than necessary. This excessive production can lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels in some individuals.

Certain tropical oils, like palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil, contain saturated fats that can raise bad cholesterol levels. These oils are commonly found in baked goods.

Types of cholesterols

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) — Also known as “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of DL cholesterol increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol) — Also known as “good” cholesterol, helps remove cholesterol from the blood and transports it back to the liver. The liver then eliminates it from the body. Having high levels of HDL cholesterol can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL cholesterol) — It is also a “bad” cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol is produced in the liver and released into the bloodstream. It supplies body tissues with triglycerides, a type of fat. High levels of VLDL cholesterol can lead to plaque deposits on artery walls, which restrict blood flow.

What are the casuses and risk factors for bad cholesterols to go up?

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, lack of physical activity, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, stress, family history, certain medical conditions, and certain medications can raise your risk of high blood cholesterol.

Race or ethnicity and age can also affect your risk. Indian, Filipino, Japanese, Vietnamese, and non-Hispanic white people are more likely to have high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol than other groups.

Between ages 20 and 39, men have a greater risk for high total cholesterol than women. Women’s risk increases after menopause.

Diagnosis of cholesterol in blood

A blood test can determine if you have an issue with cholesterol levels.

LDL – Less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal, 100-129 mg/dL is near optimal, 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high, 160-189 mg/dL is high, and 190 mg/dL and above is very high.

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HDL – Greater than 60 mg/dL is considered protective against heart disease, 40-59 mg/dL is acceptable, and less than 40 mg/dL is considered a risk factor.

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VLDL – The normal range for VLDL is below 30 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High VLDL cholesterol is 30 mg/dL or above.

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How to reduce bad cholesterols in blood?

Cut down on fatty foods and fast foods
Reduce alcohol consumption
Go for walks, swim, and exercise regularly
Manage stress

How to increase good cholesterol in blood?

In addition to above you should,

Eat more whole grains
Shed excess weight
Choose heart-healthy fats such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish
Fatty fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can contribute to higher HDL cholesterol levels. Include fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines in your diet.

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Importance of Lipid Profile Test

The Lipid Profile test is a vital tool that helps assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases by providing information about cholesterols and triglycerides in the blood. Here are some key reasons for Lipid Profile test:

Cardiovascular risk assessment
Identification of Dyslipidemia, an abnormal balance of lipids in the blood
Guiding treatment decisions to make informed decisions about the need for lifestyle modifications, medication, or other interventions
Monitoring treatment effectiveness
Preventive health screening for individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Overall health assessment

Regular Lipid Profile testing is especially important for individuals with risk factors such as a family history of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Components of Lipid Profile Test

The components typically included in a Lipid Profile test are:

Total Cholesterol: Total cholesterol represents the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood, including both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol

In some cases, your doctors may require ro calculate additional ratios and indices based on the measured components. Common calculations include:

LDL/HDL Ratio: This ratio provides information about the balance between “bad” and “good” cholesterol. A lower ratio is generally considered more favorable for cardiovascular health.
Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: This ratio is another indicator of cardiovascular risk. A lower ratio is typically associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

It’s important to note that reference ranges for these components may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the units used (mg/dL or mmol/L). Additionally, healthcare providers consider overall cardiovascular risk factors when interpreting Lipid Profile results.

You can get your Lipid Profile Test done at North City Diagnostic Centre. Home collection available. To know more please call +91 81001 07100 you can also book a test directly by clicking the link → Book Lipid Profile Test

At North City Diagnostic Center we offer personalized testing schedule that aligns with your medical history and risk factors. Consistent monitoring can be invaluable for early detection and effective management of arthritis. It’s not just about how often you test but making sure that the tests are aligned with your overall health profile for maximum benefit.

References

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North City Diagnostic

Understanding
Lipid Abnormalities

→ EXPERT INSIGHT INTO MAZE OF
CHOLESTEROLs & TRIGLYCERIDES

Table of Contents

What are Lipids?

What are Lipid abnormalities?

Triglycerides