High Nonfasting Triglycerides Could Lead to a Stroke

You probably hear a lot of talk about cholesterol, but not much about triglycerides. Triglycerides used to be something that you had measured, but really didn't know what it meant in terms of your health - it was the cholesterol we mainly worried about. However, there's been a lot of news lately about the long term effect of triglycerides on heart disease. Recently, it was found that high triglycerides could be considered a risk factor for heart disease. Another study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that high nonfasting triglycerides can also cause problems - especially a stroke.

When you get your lipid panel checked, you're usually fasting, right? This is because your triglycerides are easily influenced by foods and drinks. Fatty foods are your worst culprit for raising your triglycerides, and because of this, your healthcare provider will usually suggest not eating anything at least 8 to 12 hours before getting your cholesterol checked.

The study examined almost 14,000 people and followed them over a 31 year period. It was found that a little over 1500 participants developed ischemic stroke during this period of time. Additionally, it was found that the risk of stroke increased with increased nonfasting triglyceride levels.

So that double cheeseburger and fries you get for lunch every day may come at a price - your health - if you let your triglycerides remain high. Although more research is needed in this area, there is mounting evidence that a low fat, low cholesterol diet is the best way to go in terms of your health.

More about triglycerides:

• What Are High Triglycerides?
• How to Lower High Triglycerides