Here are some things that triglycerides and cholesterol have in common.
Too Much of Either Isn’t Good for Your Health
Triglycerides and cholesterol are both necessary for a well-functioning body when they are at healthy levels. When the levels are too high, they pose health risks.
When your body has too much LDL cholesterol, it can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
“Triglyceride elevations are known to be associated with heart and vascular disease risk, although the relationship is not the same as with cholesterol,” Milks says.
Furthermore, when high levels of triglycerides combine with low HDL or high LDL cholesterol, they compound the risk of atherosclerosis — the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. Atherosclerosis, in turn, can lead to complications like heart attack.
Both Can Be Checked With a Blood Test
Triglyceride and cholesterol levels can both be measured easily by your doctor using a blood test called a lipid profile. Your doctor may order the test as part of a routine exam, or periodically as part of monitoring a specific health condition such as coronary artery disease.
Both Are Treated in a Similar Way
In the case of both triglycerides and cholesterol, a healthy lifestyle is key. “Triglyceride levels are generally quite responsive to therapeutic lifestyle changes,” says Milks. “These include a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, a prudent diet, and no more than moderate alcohol consumption.” All these habits can improve cholesterol levels, too.
If you have a family history of high triglycerides or high cholesterol, however, lifestyle changes may not be enough to bring your lipid levels down into the healthy range. “Every person is a product of their genetic makeup and lifestyle exposures,” Milks says. If lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient, both conditions can be treated with medication.