Normal triglyceride levels
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Understanding Normal Triglyceride Levels and Their Implications
Definition and Normal Range of Triglyceride Levels
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood, and their levels are an important indicator of metabolic health. The normal range for serum triglyceride levels in fasting individuals is generally considered to be around 70±40 mg/dL, with levels over 120 mg/dL potentially indicating hypertriglyceridemia. These levels tend to increase with age, peaking in the forties, and then decrease thereafter. There is no significant sex difference in triglyceride levels, except for higher levels in postmenopausal women.
Triglycerides and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Research indicates that even triglyceride levels previously considered "normal" can predict new coronary artery disease (CAD) events. A study found that triglyceride levels above 100 mg/dL were associated with a higher risk of CAD events, suggesting that the current cutpoints for elevated triglycerides (>200 mg/dL) may need to be refined. This is supported by findings that triglyceride levels between 100 and 149 mg/dL are associated with systemic inflammation, which is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
Triglycerides and Systemic Inflammation
Observational data suggest that triglyceride levels above 100 mg/dL are linked to elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker of systemic inflammation. This association remains significant even after adjusting for other covariates, indicating that lower triglyceride levels (e.g., <100 mg/dL) might be more optimal for assessing CHD risk.
Triglycerides and Endothelial Function
Lower triglyceride levels are associated with better endothelial function, which is crucial for vascular health. A study measuring flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) found that subjects with triglyceride levels below 50 mg/dL had significantly better endothelial function compared to those with higher levels. This suggests that maintaining lower triglyceride levels could be beneficial for vascular health.
Triglycerides in Special Populations
In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), elevated triglyceride levels are not an independent marker for increased cardiovascular risk, although higher levels are generally associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Additionally, overweight individuals, whether normal or diabetic, tend to have higher triglyceride levels, with a stronger correlation observed in diabetic patients.
Conclusion
Normal triglyceride levels are generally considered to be around 70±40 mg/dL, but levels above 100 mg/dL can still pose significant health risks, including increased chances of CAD and systemic inflammation. Lower triglyceride levels are associated with better endothelial function and overall vascular health. These findings suggest that current guidelines for triglyceride levels may need to be revisited to better assess and mitigate cardiovascular risks.
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