Research has shown a strong inverse relationship between HDL cholesterol and fat in the blood called triglycerides, which have been linked to increased risk for heart attack and heart disease. If a person's triglyceride level is high, the HDL cholesterol level is usually low. If the triglyceride level is low, the HDL cholesterol level is usually high. Therefore, lowering the triglyceride level can help to improve the HDL cholesterol level.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute classifies triglyceride levels as “normal” if they are below 150. Strategies for reducing triglyceride levels include:
- Decrease the amount of saturated fat in the diet.
- Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet in which carbohydrates are eaten in proportion to proteins, vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids and fiber.
- Favor the complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, are absorbed quickly and can cause a sudden rise in insulin production (which in turn can increase triglycerides). Complex carbohydrates include bran and oats, as well as potatoes, pasta and bread.
- Limit use of alcohol. Generally, men should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks per day, while women should drink no more than one drink per day.
- Start a regular exercise program.
- Achieve and maintain and a healthy weight.
- Control diabetes.
- Control high blood pressure.
If these strategies are unsuccessful, a physician might prescribe nicotinic acid, certain fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate) or other types of cholesterol-reducing drugs.
No comments:
Post a Comment