High Triglyceride

Triglycerides are vital to various cells functions and determine the amount of reserve energy that our body can offer. Triglycerides come from food and are also produced by the body. High blood triglyceride or hypertriglyceridemia is a lipid disorder. High Triglyceride levels are usually accompanied by high total blood cholesterol levels. Blood Triglyceride levels are indicative of a person's susceptibility to various diseases such as hypertension, heart attack, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. High levels of Triglycerides increase the risk of diabetes and pancreatitis. Blood triglyceride levels of around 150 to 170 mg/dL are considered normal. While high Triglyceride levels are those above 200 mg/dL, those having triglyceride levels greater than 499 mg/dL are at high risk. (see below the table) High Triglyceride levels also put a person at increased risk of thrombosis.

To evaluate the risk factors associated with elevated levels of cholesterol, levels of Triglyceride must also be factored in as cholesterol and Triglyceride levels can vary independently.

Reference Range of Triglyceride:

• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
  
• Borderline High: 150 - 199 mg/dL
  
• High : 200 - 499 mg/dL
  
• Very High : Greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL
  

Clinical Information on Triglyceride: Triglycerides are esters of the trihydric alcohol glycerol with three long chain fatty acids. They are partly synthesized in the liver and some of it come from the diet. Enhanced plasma levels of Triglycerides reflect metabolic abnormality. High level of Triglycerides by itself, is not nearly as harmful as LDL cholesterol. Together with high cholesterol level, it constitutes a high risk factor for any of the following diseases:

• biliary obstruction
  
• diabetes mellitus
  
• nephrotic syndrome
  
• Renal Failure
  

Or metabolic disorders related to endocrinopathies. Another cause of high levels of Triglycerides can be drug induced - e.g.;prednisone, isotretinoin.

High levels of Triglycerides beyond 1000 mg/dL can be fatal because of chylomicron induced pancreatitis which may show only abdominal pain as a symptom.

Blood Triglyceride levels are measured with a blood test after abstaining from food for 12 hours and alcohol for 72 hours before testing. Drugs such as fibrates are often prescribed to reduce elevated levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. Tips to lower triglyceride:

• Losing excess weight
  
• Regular exercise regimen
  
• Reducing caloric intake especially fatty foods
  
• Restricting alcohol intake
  

Fatty Liver

Liver usually has little or no fat. But when large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells, it is called a fatty liver condition. This happens due to abnormal retention of lipids called steatosis. Steatosis indicates a condition where the liver is inflamed. In steatosis, triglycerides and lipids accumulate in the liver.

In most cases, fatty liver does not present any symptoms. Steatohepatitis occurs when there is inflammation and cell death. When fatty liver disease is in an advanced stage, the patient experiences fatigue, weakness, weight loss and right-upper-quadrant abdominal pain.

Fatty Liver diseases

Non-alcoholic fatty liver: NAFLD can be treated with lifestyle changes.

Non-alcoholic steatorrhoeic hepatitis: NASH needs medical attention lest it deteriorate into liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma, if left untreated. It is often referred to as 'silent' liver disease.

Persons who lack exercise, are obese and who partake a high fat diet are prone to fatty liver. Diabetes and high alcohol intake are other contributory causes for fatty liver. Hypertension, abdominal obesity with BMI over 26 and insulin resistance are other contributory factors to a fatty liver. Liver function test, liver ultrasound and liver biopsy might be done to detect the degree of liver malfunction. Metabolic syndrome, rapid weight loss and protein malnutrition are other contributory factors.

A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise is vital to tackle fatty liver disease. Cholesterol and blood pressure will need to be monitored and treated. Lose weight in a healthy manner and increase physical activity levels.

Evening primrose oil

Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of a small yellow wildflower Oenothera biennis and has been hailed as a rich source of gamma linoleic acid, an EFA (Essential Fatty Acid). This plant is a native of North America and the flower bears a resemblance to the English primrose.

The oil from the primrose plant was used to treat stomach ache, bruises and hemorrhoids. A rich source of Vitamin E, evening primrose oil is available in soft gel, oil and capsule form. It contains campestrol and beta-sitosterol.

GLA is converted by the body into prostaglandin - substance that posses properties for controlling inflammation, clotting the blood and synthesizing cholesterol properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of evening primrose provide relief for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Supplements of Evening primrose oil have shown benefits in cases of skin afflictions such as itching, redness and drying as it has essential fatty acids.

Evening primrose oil supplements are often suggested for menopausal women to alleviate symptoms such as headaches, rapid hormonal fluctuations, fluid retention and breast tenderness. Evening primrose oil is said to benefit heart patients by lowering blood cholesterol and reducing the risk of blood clots. Evening primrose oil has shown gradual decrease in triglyceride levels by increasing HDL and reducing LDL. Including evening primrose oil supplements can reduce high blood pressure.