High LDL, Diet, Symptoms, Dangers, and More

Lipids, also referred to as fats, are one of the three macronutrients that are an essential part of the diet. There are various types of lipids, including steroids, phospholipids, and triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of lipid that the body can use for both immediate and stored energy.

When you eat a meal, your body uses the nutrients from that meal as energy or fuel. However, if you eat a meal with too much energy (too many calories), this excess energy gets converted into triglycerides. These triglycerides are stored in fat cells for use at a later time.

The most common concern about triglycerides is high triglyceride levels.

High levels of triglycerides in the blood may contribute to atherosclerosis, the clogging and hardening of the arteries. Because of this, high triglyceride levels may increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Low triglyceride levels may be a health concern as well. Let’s look at how low triglycerides may affect your health and how to prevent and treat related problems.

The most common blood test used to check your triglyceride levels is called a lipid panel. A standard lipid panel will test for the following:

• total cholesterol
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• triglycerides
• cholesterol/HDL ratio
• non-HDL cholesterol

Your doctor will use a lipid panel to determine if your triglyceride levels are within normal range.

Normal triglyceride levels are

There is no current range for low triglyceride levels. However, if your triglyceride levels are very low, this may indicate an underlying condition or disease.

A healthy diet

We know that an unhealthy diet can cause high triglycerides, while a healthy diet generally leads to low triglycerides.

One interesting note is that sometimes low triglyceride levels can occur with high LDL levels (which often indicate a higher heart disease risk). If low triglyceride levels lower heart disease risk, but high LDL levels increase it, what can cause this inconsistency?

There are two types of LDL particles that should be taken into account when calculating heart disease risk:

• LDL-A particles are larger, less dense, and lower your risk.
• LDL-B particles are smaller, denser, and increase your risk.

When you have low triglyceride levels but high LDL levels, it could indicate that you have a diet filled with healthy fats.

Healthy fats will not only cause an increase in good cholesterol (HDL) but can also change the type of the LDL particles in the blood. Therefore, those high LDL levels may not actually be a bad thing.

Instead, it is more likely that they are LDL particles that have become larger and less dense from the intake of healthy fat. Low triglycerides and high HDL levels in the blood will generally support this idea.

A very low-fat diet

Low-fat diets aren’t necessarily unhealthy. Research has shown that low-fat diets can be an effective way to lose weight. However, anything done on an extreme scale can be dangerous, and very low-fat diets are no exception to the rule.

People on low-fat diets who are consuming very little fat may have lower triglyceride levels. With fat being an essential part of human metabolism, it is important to consume at least some fat — preferably, the healthy kind.

Long-term fasting

Fasting is the abstinence of food and drink, and for some people it’s one of the ways in which they improve their health. Fasting can have many health benefits, from lowering blood sugar and lipid levels to aiding in weight loss.

In a small 2010 study, researchers found that in people who partook in alternate-day fasting (a type of intermittent fasting) over eight weeks, triglyceride levels were lowered by roughly 32 percent.

A longer period of fasting may produce more dramatic results. For those with already normal levels, this could potentially lead to very low triglyceride levels.

Instead of fasting for long periods of time, or fasting every other day, a shorter stint of intermittent fasting may be just as effective, without lowering your levels too much. This could mean fasting for 8 or 16 hours each day, rather than skipping food entirely for 24 hours.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs when the body is not getting enough of, or alternately too much of, certain nutrients. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.3 billion adults worldwide experience malnutrition in some form.

Undernutrition can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients, including macronutrients such as lipids. Some symptoms of malnutrition include:

• weight loss, fat loss, and muscle mass loss
• hollow cheeks and eyes
• a protruding, or swollen, stomach
• dry and brittle hair, skin, or nails
• emotional symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability

If someone is experiencing severe undernutrition, their triglyceride levels may be well below the normal range. Undernutrition is best treated with increased food intake and, in some cases, supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

Malabsorption

Malabsorption is a condition in which the small intestine is unable to properly absorb the nutrients from food. Causes of malabsorption may include damage to the digestive tract, diseases affecting the digestive tract, or even certain drugs.

For people who experience malabsorption, the body may not be able to properly absorb carbohydrates, proteins, or fats.

There are many symptoms of malabsorption. However, fat malabsorption can lead to a condition called steatorrhea. Steatorrhea is a major indicator that your body isn’t absorbing fats properly. You may notice:

• pale and foul-smelling stools
• stools that are bulkier and float
• grease or fat in your stools
• drops of oil or fat in the water surrounding your stools

People who have trouble absorbing fats may have low triglyceride levels. Treatment for steatorrhea involves addressing underlying conditions that may be causing malabsorption with medication and lifestyle changes.

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. In people with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), regular metabolic processes can be greatly affected. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goiter
• unintentional weight loss and appetite changes
• alterations in heart rate
• thinning of the skin and hair
• cognitive changes, such as increased anxiety or nervousness

One of the biggest indicators of hyperthyroidism is unintentional weight loss. Generally, this weight loss occurs regardless of food intake.

This means that the body is always using up more energy than that person is consuming. People with hyperthyroidism may have low levels of triglycerides due to the increased use of these triglycerides for fuel.

Blood tests that measure levels of thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone may be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. It’s generally treated with medication and lifestyle changes.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

According to a 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly “78.1 million Americans were already taking or are eligible for cholesterol-lowering medication.” Cholesterol medication, or lipid-lowering drugs, are one of the ways in which people can get their cholesterol levels under control.

There are many different types of lipid-lowering medications, including statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, and more. Statins, fibrates, and omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters are three types of lipid-lowering drugs that are known to lower triglyceride levels.

If you’re concerned that your cholesterol-lowering drugs are causing your triglyceride levels to drop too low, consider speaking with a doctor to switch medications.

Low triglyceride levels are generally not dangerous. In fact, research supports the idea that low triglyceride levels can offer certain health benefits.

In one 2014 study, researchers found that lower non-fasting triglyceride levels were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality in almost 14,000 study participants.

Another smaller 2017 study found that low triglyceride levels were linked to improved brain function in older adults without dementia.

However, incredibly low triglyceride levels may be linked to other conditions, as mentioned above. Some of these conditions in and of themselves may be dangerous, so it becomes important to treat the underlying condition that’s causing low triglycerides.

The best treatment for low triglycerides is to find and treat the underlying cause. For some conditions, such as malnutrition, it may be as simple as making dietary changes. For other conditions, such as malabsorption and hyperthyroidism, medication and lifestyle changes may be necessary.

If low triglyceride levels are the result of not getting enough fat in the diet, here are some suggestions for healthy dietary practices:

• Total dietary fat intake should be anywhere from 20–35 percent of total calories for the average person not on a low-fat diet.
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats should make up the majority of fat consumed in the diet, as these are the most heart healthy.
• Saturated fats and cholesterol should be limited, and artificial trans fats should never be consumed.

Keeping your triglycerides within the normal range is relatively easy with a well-rounded diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following dietary and lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy and your triglyceride levels normal:

• Keep your calories within normal range for your age, gender, and activity level.
• Eat a varied diet that includes all the major food groups, especially fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy oils.
• Avoid overeating foods that contain empty calories, as these can be stored as fat.

If you’re concerned that your triglyceride levels are low for another reason, such as an underlying condition, reach out to your doctor. They can use a lipid test, among other medical tests, to find the root cause of your low triglyceride levels.

High LDL, Diet, Symptoms, Dangers, and More

Lipids, also referred to as fats, are one of the three macronutrients that are an essential part of the diet. There are various types of lipids, including steroids, phospholipids, and triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of lipid that the body can use for both immediate and stored energy.

When you eat a meal, your body uses the nutrients from that meal as energy or fuel. However, if you eat a meal with too much energy (too many calories), this excess energy gets converted into triglycerides. These triglycerides are stored in fat cells for use at a later time.

The most common concern about triglycerides is high triglyceride levels.

High levels of triglycerides in the blood may contribute to atherosclerosis, the clogging and hardening of the arteries. Because of this, high triglyceride levels may increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Low triglyceride levels may be a health concern as well. Let’s look at how low triglycerides may affect your health and how to prevent and treat related problems.

The most common blood test used to check your triglyceride levels is called a lipid panel. A standard lipid panel will test for the following:

• total cholesterol
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• triglycerides
• cholesterol/HDL ratio
• non-HDL cholesterol

Your doctor will use a lipid panel to determine if your triglyceride levels are within normal range.

Normal triglyceride levels are

There is no current range for low triglyceride levels. However, if your triglyceride levels are very low, this may indicate an underlying condition or disease.

A healthy diet

We know that an unhealthy diet can cause high triglycerides, while a healthy diet generally leads to low triglycerides.

One interesting note is that sometimes low triglyceride levels can occur with high LDL levels (which often indicate a higher heart disease risk). If low triglyceride levels lower heart disease risk, but high LDL levels increase it, what can cause this inconsistency?

There are two types of LDL particles that should be taken into account when calculating heart disease risk:

• LDL-A particles are larger, less dense, and lower your risk.
• LDL-B particles are smaller, denser, and increase your risk.

When you have low triglyceride levels but high LDL levels, it could indicate that you have a diet filled with healthy fats.

Healthy fats will not only cause an increase in good cholesterol (HDL) but can also change the type of the LDL particles in the blood. Therefore, those high LDL levels may not actually be a bad thing.

Instead, it is more likely that they are LDL particles that have become larger and less dense from the intake of healthy fat. Low triglycerides and high HDL levels in the blood will generally support this idea.

A very low-fat diet

Low-fat diets aren’t necessarily unhealthy. Research has shown that low-fat diets can be an effective way to lose weight. However, anything done on an extreme scale can be dangerous, and very low-fat diets are no exception to the rule.

People on low-fat diets who are consuming very little fat may have lower triglyceride levels. With fat being an essential part of human metabolism, it is important to consume at least some fat — preferably, the healthy kind.

Long-term fasting

Fasting is the abstinence of food and drink, and for some people it’s one of the ways in which they improve their health. Fasting can have many health benefits, from lowering blood sugar and lipid levels to aiding in weight loss.

In a small 2010 study, researchers found that in people who partook in alternate-day fasting (a type of intermittent fasting) over eight weeks, triglyceride levels were lowered by roughly 32 percent.

A longer period of fasting may produce more dramatic results. For those with already normal levels, this could potentially lead to very low triglyceride levels.

Instead of fasting for long periods of time, or fasting every other day, a shorter stint of intermittent fasting may be just as effective, without lowering your levels too much. This could mean fasting for 8 or 16 hours each day, rather than skipping food entirely for 24 hours.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs when the body is not getting enough of, or alternately too much of, certain nutrients. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.3 billion adults worldwide experience malnutrition in some form.

Undernutrition can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients, including macronutrients such as lipids. Some symptoms of malnutrition include:

• weight loss, fat loss, and muscle mass loss
• hollow cheeks and eyes
• a protruding, or swollen, stomach
• dry and brittle hair, skin, or nails
• emotional symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability

If someone is experiencing severe undernutrition, their triglyceride levels may be well below the normal range. Undernutrition is best treated with increased food intake and, in some cases, supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

Malabsorption

Malabsorption is a condition in which the small intestine is unable to properly absorb the nutrients from food. Causes of malabsorption may include damage to the digestive tract, diseases affecting the digestive tract, or even certain drugs.

For people who experience malabsorption, the body may not be able to properly absorb carbohydrates, proteins, or fats.

There are many symptoms of malabsorption. However, fat malabsorption can lead to a condition called steatorrhea. Steatorrhea is a major indicator that your body isn’t absorbing fats properly. You may notice:

• pale and foul-smelling stools
• stools that are bulkier and float
• grease or fat in your stools
• drops of oil or fat in the water surrounding your stools

People who have trouble absorbing fats may have low triglyceride levels. Treatment for steatorrhea involves addressing underlying conditions that may be causing malabsorption with medication and lifestyle changes.

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. In people with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), regular metabolic processes can be greatly affected. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goiter
• unintentional weight loss and appetite changes
• alterations in heart rate
• thinning of the skin and hair
• cognitive changes, such as increased anxiety or nervousness

One of the biggest indicators of hyperthyroidism is unintentional weight loss. Generally, this weight loss occurs regardless of food intake.

This means that the body is always using up more energy than that person is consuming. People with hyperthyroidism may have low levels of triglycerides due to the increased use of these triglycerides for fuel.

Blood tests that measure levels of thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone may be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. It’s generally treated with medication and lifestyle changes.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

According to a 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly “78.1 million Americans were already taking or are eligible for cholesterol-lowering medication.” Cholesterol medication, or lipid-lowering drugs, are one of the ways in which people can get their cholesterol levels under control.

There are many different types of lipid-lowering medications, including statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, and more. Statins, fibrates, and omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters are three types of lipid-lowering drugs that are known to lower triglyceride levels.

If you’re concerned that your cholesterol-lowering drugs are causing your triglyceride levels to drop too low, consider speaking with a doctor to switch medications.

Low triglyceride levels are generally not dangerous. In fact, research supports the idea that low triglyceride levels can offer certain health benefits.

In one 2014 study, researchers found that lower non-fasting triglyceride levels were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality in almost 14,000 study participants.

Another smaller 2017 study found that low triglyceride levels were linked to improved brain function in older adults without dementia.

However, incredibly low triglyceride levels may be linked to other conditions, as mentioned above. Some of these conditions in and of themselves may be dangerous, so it becomes important to treat the underlying condition that’s causing low triglycerides.

The best treatment for low triglycerides is to find and treat the underlying cause. For some conditions, such as malnutrition, it may be as simple as making dietary changes. For other conditions, such as malabsorption and hyperthyroidism, medication and lifestyle changes may be necessary.

If low triglyceride levels are the result of not getting enough fat in the diet, here are some suggestions for healthy dietary practices:

• Total dietary fat intake should be anywhere from 20–35 percent of total calories for the average person not on a low-fat diet.
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats should make up the majority of fat consumed in the diet, as these are the most heart healthy.
• Saturated fats and cholesterol should be limited, and artificial trans fats should never be consumed.

Keeping your triglycerides within the normal range is relatively easy with a well-rounded diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following dietary and lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy and your triglyceride levels normal:

• Keep your calories within normal range for your age, gender, and activity level.
• Eat a varied diet that includes all the major food groups, especially fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy oils.
• Avoid overeating foods that contain empty calories, as these can be stored as fat.

If you’re concerned that your triglyceride levels are low for another reason, such as an underlying condition, reach out to your doctor. They can use a lipid test, among other medical tests, to find the root cause of your low triglyceride levels.

Low cholesterol is associated with a high risk of stroke in women

Lowering low-density cholesterol (LDL) levels reduces the risk of heart attacks and stroke, with an ideal value of less than 100 mg/dL. But can this level be too low? A new study has found that women with LDL levels of 70 mg/dL and below are twice as likely to have a hemorrhagic stroke than women with LDL levels of 100-130 mg/dL. LDL is called “bad” cholesterol because it can lead to fat buildup in the arteries. The study also showed that women with the lowest triglyceride levels had a higher risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke compared to women with elevated triglyceride levels.

Hemorrhagic strokes, also known as hemorrhages, are much less common than ischemic strokes, which block blood flow to the brain. They are much more difficult to treat and, as a result, are much more likely to be fatal.

“Strategies to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, such as diet or statin therapy, are being used to prevent cardiovascular disease,” study author Pamela Rist said. “But our study shows that for women, very low values ​​of these parameters can also be dangerous. Women initially have a higher risk of stroke than men, in part because they live longer, so it is important to identify ways to reduce these risks.”

The study involved 27937 women aged 45 years and older. All of these women were included in the Women’s Health study, in which they measured total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. The researchers then analyzed the records to determine how many women had strokes. On average, over 19 years of observation, scientists identified 137 such women.

Stroke occurred in 9 of 1069 women with cholesterol levels of 70 mg/dL or lower (0.8%), compared with 40 of 10067 with cholesterol levels of 100-130 mg/dL (0.4%). After controlling for other factors that may have affected the development of a stroke (age, smoking, high blood pressure, treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs), the researchers found that patients with very low LDL levels were 2.2 times more likely to have a bleeding stroke.

Also, 34 of 5714 women (0.6%) with the lowest triglyceride levels had a stroke, compared with 29 of 7989 women (0.4%) with the highest triglyceride levels. After adjusting for other factors that can also increase the risk of stroke, the researchers found that those with the lowest triglyceride levels were twice as likely to bleed.

No difference was found for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.

“Women with very low LDL cholesterol or low triglycerides should be further screened for other risk factors for stroke in order to reduce the chance of hemorrhagic stroke,” said Pamela Rist. “Furthermore, more research is needed to determine how to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women with very low LDL and low triglyceride levels.”

One of the limitations of this study was that cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured only once, at the start of the study. In addition, a large number of women have already reached menopause at the time of the initial measurement, which makes it impossible to accurately determine whether this fact affects the relationship between cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the development of bleeding.

Expert opinion: Hemorrhagic stroke is an acute violation of cerebral circulation with rupture of blood vessels and hemorrhage in the brain. According to statistics, it is among the top five pathologies ending in death. Despite the fact that this study left more questions than answers, this work can serve as a starting point for a more detailed study.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are fats, one of the main sources of energy for body cells. An increase in their level increases the risk of heart and vascular disease, as well as the risk of developing acute pancreatitis.

Synonyms Russian

Blood lipids, neutral fats, TG.

Synonyms English

TG, Trig, Triglycerides.

Test method

Colorimetric photometric method.

Units

mmol/l (millimoles per litre).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for an examination?

• Do not eat for 12 hours before the test.
• Avoid physical and emotional stress and do not smoke for 30 minutes prior to the examination.

General information about the study

Triglycerides are fats that are the main source of energy for the body. Most of the triglycerides are found in adipose tissue, but some of them are in the blood, providing energy to the muscles. After a meal, triglyceride levels rise as the body converts energy that is not needed now into fat. Triglycerides are absorbed in the intestines and, transported through the blood, are deposited in adipose tissue in reserve. Between meals, they are burned, releasing energy for the body.

Since triglycerides are insoluble in water, they are carried in the blood with a protein in the form of a complex called lipoprotein. There are several types of lipoproteins that differ in the proportions of their components:

• very low density lipoproteins (VLDL),
• low density lipoproteins (LDL),
• high density lipoproteins (HDL).

Most triglycerides in the body are carried by very low density lipoproteins (VLDL).

An increase in triglycerides increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, although their causes are not fully understood. There are a number of factors contributing to this: decreased physical activity, overweight, smoking, alcohol abuse, and diabetes.

In addition, triglycerides significantly increase the risk of developing an acute inflammation of the pancreas – acute pancreatitis.

What is research used for?

• To assess the risk of developing atherosclerosis and problems with the heart and blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is the process of plaque growth inside the vessels, which can restrict blood flow or completely block the lumen of the vessel.
• To monitor the effectiveness of a reduced animal fat diet and monitor blood lipid levels after administration of triglyceride and cholesterol (cholesterol) lowering drugs.

When is the test ordered?

• Together with a total cholesterol test or as part of a lipid profile that also includes LDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides and atherogenic index. A lipid profile is recommended for all adults over 20 years of age at least once every 5 years.
• At routine check-ups or more frequently (several times a year) if the person is prescribed a low-fat diet and/or is taking triglyceride and cholesterol-lowering medications. In these cases, it is checked whether the target lipid level is reached and, accordingly, whether the risk of cardiovascular diseases is reduced.
• It is especially important to check triglycerides in diabetics, as fluctuations in sugar levels increase triglycerides.
• If one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease are present in the patient’s lifetime:
  • smoking,
  • age (men over 45, women over 55),
  • high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg and above),
  • high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease in other family members (heart attack or stroke in the closest male relative under 55 years of age or female under 65 years of age),
  • ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction or stroke,
  • diabetes,
  • overweight,
  • alcohol abuse,
  • intake of large amounts of food containing animal fats,
  • low physical activity.
• If a child in the family had a history of high cholesterol or heart disease at a young age, it is recommended to take a cholesterol test for the first time between the ages of 2 and 10 years.

What do the results mean?

Reference values ​​(normal triglycerides):

Clinical guidelines ¹ , level

“Diagnostics and correction of lipid metabolism disorders for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Russian guidelines, VII revision. 2020”.

“2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk”.

Interpretation of the results should be made taking into account other analyzes included in the lipid profile.

Causes of high triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia)

Hypertriglyceridemia may be the result of a hereditary predisposition or excessive dietary intake of animal fats. Most people with high cholesterol have some degree of both.

Other causes of high triglycerides must be ruled out before starting treatment:

• alcoholism,
• chronic inflammation of the kidneys leading to nephrotic syndrome,
• chronic renal failure,
• decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism),
• poorly treated diabetes mellitus,
• pancreatitis,
• myocardial infarction – in this case, elevated levels may persist for up to several months,
• gout.

Low triglyceride levels (hypotriglyceridemia) are not of particular clinical significance. May occur under the following conditions:

• hereditary hypolipoproteinemia,
• increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism),
• intestinal malabsorption,
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
• cerebral infarction.

What can influence the result?

Triglyceride levels may remain significantly (up to 5-10 times) elevated even several hours after a meal.

Blood samples taken on an empty stomach at different times may also vary. In some people, triglyceride levels change by 40% within one month. This phenomenon is called biological variation and reflects the normal fluctuations in cholesterol metabolism in the body. As a result, a single measurement does not always reflect the “usual” level of triglycerides, so a retake of the analysis is sometimes required.

Increase triglyceride levels:

• fat-rich foods,
• drinking alcohol,
• pregnancy (to be tested at least 6 weeks after delivery),
• oral contraceptives, cholestyramine, furosemide, veroshpiron, cordarone, corticosteroids.