What are blood fats?
Blood fats, also known as lipids, are essential for your health. The most important blood fats include cholesterolCholesterol is a type of blood fat that is vital for building cell membranes and producing hormones. Your body also needs cholesterol for digestion and to make Vitamin D. and triglyceridesTriglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They store unused calories and provide energy. When you eat, excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. These are later released for energy between meals.. These fats play crucial roles in your body. However, when their levels become too high, they can pose health risks.
Understanding the risks of high cholesterol
High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis, (hardening of the arteries). This condition can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.1
The dangers of very high triglycerides
Very high triglyceride levels can cause various symptoms and significantly increase the risk of pancreatitis, a sudden inflammation of the pancreas.1
What is hypertriglyceridemia?
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) occurs when triglyceride levels in the blood exceed 200 mg/dL (2 mmol/L). When triglyceride levels exceed 885 mg/dL (10 mmol/L), this is referred to as severe hypertriglyceridemia. Managing these levels is essential for maintaining your overall health.2
Did you know?
High triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia) in the blood can be a cause of acute pancreatitis1
What is pancreatitis and what are the symptoms?
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that aids with digestion and regulates blood sugar. Learn more about this condition and its symptoms.
Acute pancreatitis
References
- Parhofer KG, Laufs U. Lipidprofil und Lipoprotein(a)-Testung. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2023 Sep 4;120(35-36):582-588
- Laufs U, et al. Clinical review on triglycerides. European Heart Journal (2020) 41, 99–109.