In recent years, obesity and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels have increased among young people due to poor lifestyles, such as sedentary lifestyles and poor diet. These young people are at risk of suffering strokes and heart disease at a much earlier adult stage. Dr. Fernando Quinto, endocrinologist at Centro Médico Plaza Lima Sur of Clínica Ricardo Palma, explains about high cholesterol and triglycerides, their functions in our organism and what happens to our health when they go out of the allowed range.

What are cholesterol and triglycerides and what are their normal values?

Cholesterol and triglycerides are essential molecules for the body, as they are used as energy storage and as substrates to form cellular structures and hormones. However, when their levels are above the appropriate ranges (total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL and triglycerides > 150 mg/dL), they can cause damage to the arteries.

Why do cholesterol and triglycerides rise?

Cholesterol and triglycerides can be raised by diet, but they are also produced and transported by the body, specifically by the liver. These lipids are transported in small fat particles with proteins that indicate their destination. This gives rise to the concepts of “good” cholesterol (HDL) and “bad” cholesterol (LDL).

What are the symptoms that patients with high cholesterol and triglycerides have?

Normally, patients are asymptomatic, but if there is any discomfort, they may manifest headache, dizziness or a general feeling of malaise.

Our specialist recommends:

• Maintain an active lifestyle. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Walking is not enough, you need to train your muscle mass so that your body uses lipids as a source of energy and thus reduce their levels in the blood.
• Watch your diet. Avoid processed foods and those high in sugar and saturated fats.
• Take control exams. If you have risk factors such as overweight, obesity, family history of high cholesterol or triglycerides, or a history of heart attack or stroke, it is important that you can get tested.
• Manage stress and maintain an active lifestyle. If you are sedentary and have a lot of stress, pay attention to your health and have regular medical check-ups.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions. If you are found to have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, follow a proper diet and exercise. In some cases, pharmacological treatment may be necessary, either temporary or permanent, depending on the evolution of your condition.

Dr. Fernando Quinto
Endocrinologist at Centro Médico Plaza Lima Sur of Clínica Ricardo Palma