ACCOUNTING FOR LIFE SAVING NUMBERS 6: Triglycerides

Numbers in these posts are for heads-up information only and should not be used as substitute for regular check-ups and competent medical advice.

Triglycerides are a type of fat in the bloodstream and fat tissue. Too much can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, putting you at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Diseases such as diabetes, obesity, kidney failure or alcoholism can cause high triglycerides. Often, high triglycerides occur along with high levels of cholesterol.

Your body makes some triglycerides. Triglycerides also come from the food you eat. When you eat, your body uses calories for immediate energy. Leftover calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. If you eat more calories than your body needs, your triglyceride level can become high.

This is why you need regular exercise. Remember: the less exercise you are able to do, the greater the need for you to control your sugars & carbohydrates to avoid buildup of triglycerides.

info source: MedlinePlus of the US National Library of Medicine & National Institute of Health, graphics by Ren Garcia