Thursday, August 11, 2011

Triglycerides Noted as a Significant Risk Factor

The American Heart Association has dramatically reduced the allowable level of triglycerides to 100 mg/dl. Previous limits have been 150-200. The good news is that drug therapy is not recommended unless the level exceeds 500, which is more closely associated with pancreatitis than heart disease. Of note is that the good cholesterol (HDL) is inversely proportional to triglycerides. One can dramatically reduce triglycerides by going on a low carb diet, especially avoiding table sugar and fructose. Then the HDL will usually rise to cardioprotective levels. Weight loss, exercise and fish oils are also helpful.

See American Heart Association, Circulation (click here-subscription needed), 2011.

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