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What role do triglicerides play ?
by Stephanie
Does the low trig level mitigate the high LDL level at all? I am 53 year old female who is very healthy otherwise (non smoker, non drinker, active lifestyle and normal weight). ANSWER: Hi Stephanie, The pathways of transformation of different types of fats in our body are a bit complicated and it would take a long time to answer. In general, there are 2 sources of fat (any): 1)produced by our liver; 2) from foods we eat. The majority of our body needs are supplied by the amount of fats produced by our liver (endogenous); therefore, the amount taken by food has little importance. Now, triglycerides that are produced by our liver is transported in blood by the mean of VLDL (very low density lipoprotein); which can be transformed into LDL. Meanwhile, there is only a little amount of free triglycerides (TG) that can be transported in the bloodstream (less than 150). Therefore, your TG is fine to my opinion, which might be explained by high levels of LDL. High LDL cholesterolis the cause of your high total cholesterol level. Common causes of high LDL include excess calories intake, being overweight, having a sedentary life; etc. As you are denying have all the above-mentioned problems and lifestyle; to my opinion the high LDL might derive due to your age. In lack of the data of your medical record, I can only guess that you are living the menopause period. All the hormonal changes during this time will also affect your lipid profile. I do not know if you are taking any drug if you really are living menopause-time, but I can only suggest to talk to your gynecologist for more info and how to improve your lipid profile. Continue with the healthy lifestyle you are following until now, and you will see improvement in both your lipid profile and your "menopause-state". Your HDL levels are also very good, meanwhile once your LDL will be back to normal again, the same will happen to your total cholesterol. All the best! Dr.Alba
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