the doctor tells people that have great cholesterol ,but high triglycerides that their still at risk for heart disease,and other life threatening problems,and they tell people with bad cholesterol even borderline ,that have great triglycerides - the"re still at risk-- isn;t this a double standard when it's suppst to be your tri;s that determine heart disease and other at risk problems? How can you have great tri"s and bad LdL when tri's determime what kind of a diet your eating.Its a complete contradiction to say someone has optimal tri's which is actually your diet ,And high LDL which is fat- so this is saying you have a perfect diet with no fat <tri's> ,but you have high LDL -lots of fat! well where is it coming from? if you have a great diet -tri:S>how is it even possible to have high LDL? It's a complete contradiction!Please explan.
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Q: triglycerides
Hi James,
It does get confusing. Let me see if I can make it easier to understand.
First, high triglycerides, high LDL, and low HDL are all considered "independent risk factors" for heart disease. This means if even one of them is not within the normal range, your risk of heart disease is increased. Even if all your other numbers are ideal.
The reason LDL can be high and triglycerides normal is because they are affected by different dietary factors.
Sugar and alcohol in the diet have the greatest impact on triglycerides. So, triglycerides can be sky high and LDL within normal.
Saturated and trans fats in the diet have the greatest impact on LDL cholesterol. So, if you eat a diet high in unhealthy fats, your LDL can be elevated and at a dangerous level, while triglycerides are perfectly normal.
Typically HDL and triglycerides go hand-in-hand. If triglycerides are high, HDL is low and vice versa. However, HDL is strongly influenced by physical activity.
If this doesn't clear up your confusion, submit another question.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
8 Essential Steps to Lower Cholesterol Naturally
I just found out I have high blood pressure and I take doivan once daily and I just started doing cardio three times a week I have good kidneys and good liver no other problems but my phyisician said my cholesterol was a little high and she wants me to take simvastatin to lower my cholestrol and Iam on low sodium diet I am not a large woman I weigh 150 pounds never had problems . but I dont feel comfortable taking this medication for my cholestorol I have not started taking them. and Iam not I will just do the things I need to do to lower it with cofidence what do you think answer?
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
