There are plenty of notions about fats and triglycerides, but to take good care of your health, you need to know the difference between myths and facts.
High Cholesterol Myths vs Facts
I don't have to worry about heart disease if my triglyceride level is less than 200 mg/dL.
Experts consider fasting blood triglyceride levels between 50 - 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) as normal. But you should not aim for "normal" serum triglyceride (and other lipid) levels but "healthy" blood triglyceride levels.To boost and maintain your future cardiovascular health--- aim to maintain your blood triglyceride levels,between 70 and 100 mg/dL. The risk of heart disease increases if the blood triglycerides levels are elevated.
High triglyceride only happens to older adults.
High triglyceride is more prevalent in older individuals, but it can occur in younger people, too. According to experts even healthy people over 40 should get their triglycerides tested at least once a year.
If my triglyceride is high, I will have to take medication.
If your triglyceride levels are elevated your doctor will recommend diet and lifestyle changes before starting medications. Medications are recommended if diet and lifestyle changes are not effective in loweringtriglyceride levels.
I don’t feel sick, so I am OK.
If your triglyceride level is borderline-high (150 - 199 mg/dL, or 1.7–2.3 mmol/L) or high (200 - 499 mg/dL, or 2.3–5.6 mmol/L) you will generally have no symptoms because of it. This is what makes it so risky---your risk of heart disease and stroke is increased but you are not aware of it.Even with severelyelevated blood triglycerides levels(1000 mg/dL, or 11.3 mmol/L), you may not have any sign and symptom.So if your triglyceride levels are elevated follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding lifestyle changes and medications.
As long as I follow a low fat diet, my triglyceride levels should remain normal.
No, this is not true. Remember that all excess calories (even if from carbohydrates) that are consumed is converted to fats and stored in the body. Reducing the total calorie intake will help to reduceyour blood triglycerides levels and weight. Limit your calorie intake to just enough calories to achieve or maintain a healthy weight
Natural products are good replacements for cholesterol medication.
Nowadays besides medications many people use nutritional supplements and herbs to lower high blood triglyceride levels. Many of these herbs and supplements are proved to be successful in lowering triglyceride.If you start herbal treatment or supplements for lowering your triglyceride levels inform your doctor and do not stop your medications without your doctor’s advice. Herbs and supplements should be used with caution as theycan cause potentially serious side effects.
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