What are Cholesterol and Triglycerides?
Cholesterol and triglycerides are types of fats (lipids) in the blood that directly influence heart health. Maintaining them at appropriate levels protects arteries, while high levels increase cardiovascular risk.
In routine medical check-ups, understanding the difference between cholesterol and triglycerides is crucial for assessing risk and preventing diseases before symptoms appear.
In Mexico, this topic is particularly relevant. According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut), 30.6% of adults in Mexico have a previous diagnosis of high cholesterol. Furthermore, the National Survey of Chronic Diseases (Enec) details that at least 24.4% of adults aged 20 to 69 have high triglyceride levels.
According to Mass General Brigham, a healthcare specialist organization, these metabolic alterations often progress silently and significantly increase the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
What are they?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance present in all body cells. It participates in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that aid food digestion. The liver produces all the cholesterol the body needs, though it also comes from animal-based foods.
Triglycerides, on the other hand, function as energy reserves. When a person consumes more calories than needed—especially sugars and fats—the body converts the excess into triglycerides, which are stored in adipose tissue.
“After a high-fat or carbohydrate meal, the body transforms the leftover energy into triglycerides for later use,” explains Romit Bhattacharya, a preventive cardiologist at Mass General Brigham.
Difference: Distinct Functions, Shared Risks
The difference between cholesterol and triglycerides lies in their primary function. Cholesterol plays a structural and regulatory role, while triglycerides serve as an energy source.
The issue arises when both exceed normal levels. In excess, these fats can accumulate in artery walls and promote atherosclerosis, a condition that narrows blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Here, the relationship between high triglycerides and elevated cholesterol becomes crucial, as simultaneous presence of both increases cardiovascular damage.
What are normal levels?
For triglycerides:
- Normal: less than 150 mg/dL
- High: 150–199 mg/dL
- Elevated: 200–499 mg/dL
- Very high: 500 mg/dL or more
Cholesterol is evaluated through three indicators:
- LDL (“bad” cholesterol): ideally below 100 mg/dL
- HDL (“good” cholesterol): above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women
- Total cholesterol: desirable around 150 mg/dL; above 200 mg/dL is considered high
“Many people only look at total cholesterol, but analyzing each component provides a more accurate picture of the risk,” notes Bhattacharya.
What raises cholesterol and triglycerides?
Although they share risk factors, they don’t always rise for the same reasons.
High cholesterol is often associated with diets rich in saturated and trans fats, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, genetics, aging, and conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Elevated triglycerides are more related to excessive sugar consumption, alcohol, large food portions, overweight, and lack of physical activity. They can also be affected by certain medications.
When these alterations persist over time, arterial damage progresses without clear signs. “Atherosclerosis can develop for years before manifesting as a cardiovascular event,” warns the specialist.
Diet and Control
Among the most important recommendations are:
- Reduce refined sugars and sweetened beverages
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Prioritize fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
- Choose healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and fish
- Control portion sizes
These actions not only help decrease triglycerides but also improve cholesterol profiles.
Cardiovascular diseases do not appear suddenly. They are the result of years of habits. The good news is that this process can be altered.
“Even small changes in diet, exercise, and metabolic health can reflect in the analyses within months,” asserts Bhattacharya.
