Triglycerides are fat molecules that play two important roles in the human body. The first is their role in providing energy to the body (they are a biological aggregate of energy), the second is their role in storing it. Triglycerides accumulate mainly in the cytoplasm of fat cells, e.g., under the skin as adipose tissue.
In this article, Niketrainers.com.co will tell you:
Indications for testing the concentration of triglycerides
Triglyceride testing is performed in the following cases:
- as a component of lipid profile testing;
- at suspicion of damage to the liver parenchyma;
- in malabsorption from the gastrointestinal tract;
- when pancreatitisis suspected ;
- while abusing alcohol.
The course of the study of triglycerides
- Material for triglyceride testing: serum
- Preparation for the test: the patient should be fasting for about 8-10 hours before the test, and the last meal consumed should be low-fat.
- The course of the triglyceride test: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.
- Waiting time for triglyceride result: 1 day.
- Established standard: triglyceride concentrations: up to 150 mg / dl. Values ​​above 200 mg / dl indicate hypertriglyceridaemia associated with the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
- Notes: The concentration of triglycerides increases in people who consume large amounts of alcohol. High triglycerides play a role in the development of acutepancreatitis.
Norms of triglycerides in individuals
The triglyceride values ​​are as follows:
– fixed standard: up to 150 mg / dl;
women: 35-135 mg / dl (0.40 – 1.54 mmol / l);
men: 40-160 mg / dl (0.45 – 1.82 mmol / l);
– children: less than 100 mg / dl (1.13 mmol / l);
Elevated triglyceride levels
Elevated triglyceride levels may put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. The concentration of triglycerides in the body varies throughout the day, so any spikes in its concentration should not be cause for concern. If the triglycerides remain above 1000 mg / dL, there is a risk of pancreatitis.
Research for pancreatic diseases should be extended with a package of tests allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the condition of the pancreas.
So What causes triglycerides to be high?
These can be selected diseases, including:
- diabetes;
- secondary / primary hyperlipidemia;
- common hyperlipidemia;
- inflammation of the pancreas;
- gout;
- alcohol abuse,
- obesity;
- kidney failure;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Cushing’s syndrome;
- lupus erythematosus;
- acromegaly;
- lipodystrophy;
- pregnancy.
In addition, the use of oral contraceptives, diuretics, retinoids, beta blockers or glucocorticosteroids can cause high levels of triglycerides in the body.
We can most often observe low triglyceride levelsin patients treated in the hospital and in patients with mental illnesses.