Why are high levels of triglycerides a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
The reasons why high levels of triglycerides increase the risk of CVD is not completely understood. Evidence suggests that the particles remaining in the blood after the breakdown of VLDL may lead to build up of plaque on arteries. High triglyceride levels can also increase the risk of thrombosis, or blood clotting, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If not treated, high triglycerides can lead to fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease causes changes in the liver and can eventually result in permanent damage. The level of triglycerides in the blood is related to two other lipoproteins in the body, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and small, dense, low density lipoprotein (LDL). As the ratio of triglycerides to HDL levels increases, so does the chance of having small dense LDLs. Both low levels of HDL and the presence of small dense LDLs are known risk factors for CVD. Small dense LDL can increase the risk for heart disease up to 3-fold. They are harder for the body to break do
Related Questions
- For my Medications results, my side effects results say Im either low risk, moderate risk, or high risk. What are the specifics behind what these risk levels mean?
- Do low levels of circulating adiponectin represent a biomarker or just another risk factor for the metabolic syndrome?
- Do lowered factor VII levels at extremely high endogenous oestradiol levels protect against thrombin formation?
