What is the difference between high cholesterol and high triglycerides, their symptoms, and how to treat and get rid of them? Cholesterol is a waxy substance used to build cells and produce hormones, while triglycerides are a type of fat stored as excess calories to provide energy for the body. We will learn the difference between each of them, their causes, symptoms, and effective treatment methods.
What is cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance produced primarily by the liver. It is essential for the production of hormones, cell structure, and digestive juices. There are two types of cholesterol: the harmful type, which accumulates in the arteries, and the good type, which helps remove excess cholesterol from artery walls.
What are triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that is used to provide the body with energy. They are stored in fat cells from excess calories from food, and the body then releases them for use when energy is needed. Despite their importance, high levels of cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol and Triglycerides
High cholesterol doesn't cause obvious symptoms initially, but severe symptoms may appear as it accumulates, including:
- Pain and tightness in the center of the chest, which may extend to the left arm, shoulder, or back.
- A general feeling of fatigue and inability to perform normal activities.
- Shortness of breath, which may be associated with exertion.
- Severe headaches and dizziness.
- Erectile dysfunction in most men occurs as a result of fatty deposits in the blood vessels.
Symptoms of high triglycerides appear when they reach high levels and include:
- The appearance of yellow fatty lumps under the skin, especially around the eyes or on the knees.
- Shortness of breath due to poor blood flow to the heart.
- Sudden pain, especially in the upper abdomen and extending to the back.
- Fatigue and exhaustion due to decreased oxygen supply to the cells.
- Tingling and numbness in the extremities.
- Dizziness and problems concentrating due to impaired blood flow to the brain.
Types of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol, including:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is called bad cholesterol and can build up on artery walls, causing hardening and blockage.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is called good cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries.
What are the causes of high cholesterol
High cholesterol is caused by an unhealthy diet high in saturated fats, such as meat and full-fat dairy products, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Factors that increase the risk of high cholesterol include heredity, aging, diabetes, chronic kidney and liver disease, and hypothyroidism, which reduces the body's ability to remove cholesterol.
Causes of High Triglycerides
There are many causes of high triglycerides, including lifestyle factors, including:
- An unhealthy diet rich in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats leads to high triglycerides.
- Lack of physical activity and lack of exercise.
- Excessive alcohol consumption because it contains calories and sugars.
- Smoking hinders the breakdown of triglycerides.
- Obesity and overweight.
What is the difference between high cholesterol and triglycerides
The main difference is that cholesterol is a waxy substance used to build cells and produce hormones, while triglycerides are a type of fat used for energy by the body. High levels of either increase the risk of heart disease.
Medications for Treating High Cholesterol
The treating physician determines the appropriate treatment based on the patient's condition. Statins are among the most common and effective medications for treating high cholesterol, as they work to reduce cholesterol production in the liver. Other types of medications include cholesterol absorption inhibitors and fibrinogen inhibitors.
Methods for Treating High Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Treatment of high cholesterol relies on lifestyle changes:
- Reducing saturated fats found in meat and full-fat dairy products.
- Increasing intake of foods rich in soluble fiber, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish. Eating foods that contain healthy fats, such as nuts.
- Following a weight loss program, and in severe cases, exercising regularly.
Which is more dangerous high cholesterol or high triglycerides
Both are dangerous, but triglycerides are more dangerous in some cases because high cholesterol is a sign of other health conditions that increase the risk of strokes, heart disease, and strokes. LDL cholesterol is dangerous because it directly contributes to atherosclerosis.
Methods for Diagnosing High Cholesterol and Lipids
High cholesterol and lipids are primarily diagnosed through a blood test called a lipid profile, which measures levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides.
Summary of the Difference Between High Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance produced primarily by the liver. It is essential for building cells and digestive juices. There are two types: LDL, which accumulates in the arteries, and HDL, which helps remove excess cholesterol from artery walls.
Triglycerides differ from cholesterol in their function. Triglycerides provide energy for cell functions, while cholesterol helps build cells and produce hormones in the body. High levels of harmful cholesterol can lead to health problems such as heart disease and stroke.