Triglycerides?

[Kathy]

I did all my pre-op stuff this week and got my results back. My EKG, x-ray and bloodwork were all good. The nurse did say my triglycerides were a little high, 160 and should be below 150. I read on the American Heart Association website a little about them; but still don't 'get it'. Anyone have an easy explanation of them? I have high cholesterol that is controlled with Vytorin and am in good health (other than back stuff), my BMI is normal, although I don't get much exercise because of my back pain. So, anyone else have this issue? What causes it? I'm sure, or at least hope, it is not a surgery deal breaker.

[labeng]

Hi Kathy,
Triglycerides are one of three components that make up your total cholesterol report, the other two being HDL (high density lipoprotein, the good), and LDL (low density lipoprotein, the bad).

It’s my understanding that triglycerides basically indicate how much fat is in your bloodstream. Don’t confuse that with body fat, though being overweight can increase your triglycerides, a slender person can also be high. The higher the reading, the thicker your blood will actually be. Which, given enough time, can contribute to fatty deposits in the artery walls and increase the risk for stroke.

There is a ton of info on the net on how to decrease your triglycerides. Most of which will point to exercise and reducing your trans fat and carb intake. Actually 160 is high but not extremely high, <150 is recommended, closer to 100 is excellent. Carbs are converted to glucose and excess glucose can end up as fat in the bloodstream. One of the reasons that exercise helps is because your muscles use up more of that glucose as fuel, leaving less behind to get converted into fat, whether it be around the waistline, in the bloodstream or both. Having back pain, I can relate to how hard it is to exercise sometimes.

Regards,
Larry

[Eastex]

Kathy,
Ask your doctor about taking Tricor for your triglycerides. Mine were super high. I can't remember what they were exactly, but I am pretty sure they were a couple hundred more! It scared me to death. Stay away from fast food if you eat it presently. One thing that I have noticed after my surgery is that my blood pressure is about perfect. I have taking Micardis HCT for it the last few years. It helps, but before surgery it was always high. Can anybody explain why it is better now?

[Kathy]

Larry, thanks for the information. I wonder why it is not controlled by Vytorin, since that is for cholesterol?
Eastex- Is that a drug just for triglycerides? Maybe your blood pressure is lower because your body is more relaxed (from not being in so much pain)? Just a guess, bet Justin will know or have a good idea.

[labeng]

Kathy,

It’s my understanding that much of the cholesterol meds do also help to lower triglycerides, including Vytorin. Just how much varies from one individual to the next and also by what your dosage is. Your triglycerides were probably higher before you started taking the Vytorin.

Triglyceride levels do however respond well to diet and exercise, even more so than the HDL and LDL…so as I’ve been told.

Regards,
Larry

[Terry Allen Blackburn]

I have been on Zetia for cholesterol and Tricor for triglycerides for years. They do a great job getting my stuff under control.

Terry Newton