A condition in which the LDL cholesterol level in the blood is high or the triglyceride level is high is called dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is difficult to detect because there are no specific signs. However, if dyslipidemia is not treated in a timely manner, cholesterol builds up and blood vessels narrow. This can lead to arteriosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Therefore, in order to detect abnormalities in blood vessels in advance, it is necessary to undergo regular triglyceride tests.
◇ Two-line summary of triglyceride test
It is a test that measures the level of triglycerides in the blood. If the triglyceride level is 150 mg/dL or higher, you should improve your eating habits and sometimes receive medication.
◇ What kind of test is it?
It is a test that measures the concentration of triglycerides in the blood. It is included in the general health checkup conducted by the country. Triglyceride levels and total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels are also measured.
Patients should refrain from drinking alcohol the day before the examination. Also, you should not eat or drink for 12 hours before the test. If the triglyceride level is measured within 9 to 12 hours following eating, it can be measured 5 to 10 times higher than the normal level.
◇ Who and when should I receive it?
Men over the age of 24 or women over the age of 40 should be screened at least once every 4 years. The reason for the different test age standards for men and women is the prevalence. The general health checkup is for diseases with a prevalence of 5% or more. In the case of dyslipidemia, the prevalence of dyslipidemia is more than 5% from the age of 25 for men and from the age of 40 for women, so there is a difference in the age criteria for examination.
If you have a family history of hyperlipidemia, it is better to receive a triglyceride test in advance, even if you are younger than the age for general health checkup. In addition, triglyceride test results are also used to determine the prognosis of diabetic patients. If you are diabetic, you should have an annual serum lipid test, including a triglyceride test.
◇ Triglyceride test results
– Normal findings
· Triglyceride level: less than 150mg/dL
“The triglyceride level is normal.”
A normal finding is diagnosed when the blood triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL. If the LDL cholesterol level is less than 100 mg/dL and the HDL cholesterol level is 60 mg/dL or higher, it can be diagnosed as not dyslipidemia. Even if triglyceride levels are normal, if LDL or HDL cholesterol levels are not normal, dyslipidemia should be suspected.
– abnormal findings
· Triglyceride level: 150~199mg/dL
“The level of triglycerides in the blood is a cautionary tale.”
When the blood triglyceride level is 150 mg/dL or more and 199 mg/dL or less, it is diagnosed as ‘caution’. Although it is not necessary to seek treatment immediately, it is necessary to lower triglyceride levels by improving eating habits and lifestyle.
– abnormal findings
· Triglyceride level: 200 mg/dL or more
“It’s in the hypertriglyceridemia stage.”
When the triglyceride level is 200 mg/dL or higher, it is diagnosed as hypertriglyceridemia. If not treated immediately, complications such as arteriosclerosis, pancreatitis, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction may occur. To treat hypertriglyceridemia, hospitals prescribe antihyperlipidemic drugs. In addition, patients should improve their lifestyle habits such as smoking.
Supervision = Hidak Consulting Doctor Seunghwa Lee, Manager (Seongnam Medical Center, Family Medicine Specialist)