High tridlycerides only?

I just had a good amount of bloodwork analyzed and my triglycerides came up at 184 (Ref is <150) The only other abnormality is RDW at 15.8 (Ref is 11.0 - 15.0) I thought this seemed unusual when Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Cholesterol/HDL Ratio, and LDL Cholesterl, Calc were all within the normal ranges.

Is this unusual, and should I be concerned?

Thank you.

[Lee Kirksey, MD]

I respectfully disagree that a persistently elevated triglyceride level should be attributed to being on other cholesterol reducing agents. Generally, triglycerides should decrease with an effective cholesterol regimen. Discuss this persistent elevation with your doctor. In these cases, niacin or a derivative may be an option to decrease the triglyceride level.

[DeeDesai]

RDW, is a measure of the variation of red blood cell width, which is caused by defeciency in iron and vitamin B12.  About the triglycerides, if you are taking any medicines for reducing cholestrol in your body, than it can have a side effect of an increase in cell content of triacylglyceride.

Hope that helps  

[KarenZ]

Thanks for responding doctor, but I'm confused about what you respectfully disagree with. I have not had a presistently elevated triglyceride level, and I am not on cholesterol reducing medicine. The elevated triglyceride level is new with my last series of labwork. As I stated, the other cholesterols (total, HDL, HDL ratio, and LDL) were within normal range.

  

[KarenZ]

Thanks for your response to my question. I have not been taking a cholesterol reducing medicine. In fact, my doctor never responded back to me about the test results which is why I posed the question here about whether I should be concerned with the results.

Your explaination of RWD is apparently right on target for me. Thanks for your explaination. I had been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia due to bleeding ulcers in the small intestine. Previous labs showed below normal iron and ferritin levels and low normal Vit B12. I was instructed to take iron, Vit C and Vit B12 supplements. My ferritin came up to a low normal range, and the irons are back in normal levels. The Vit B12 rose significantly to a high normal level.

Given what you've explained to me then, I should expect that in time the RDW will also come back into a normal range now that the ulcer healed and the bleeding stopped. Now I know why my doctor didn't contact me regarding the result of the RDW. Thanks so much for your help in understanding the labs.

I'm still not clear though why my triglycerides would be high when the other cholesterols were within normal range.  

[DeeDesai]

Hello,

Ok now it makes sense.  Triglycerides, are major components of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and chylomicrons, that play an important role in metabolism.  In the intestine, triglycerides are split by the enzymes called lipases.  Because you have ulcers this process is slow or sometimes halted, hence an increase in triglycerides.  

Hope that helps  

[DeeDesai]

hello, Sorry started playing with my dog

bascially what is happening is when you eat triglycerides in your food are not being broken down in your intestines, because of your ulcers.  Also, if you eat food that contains small amount of triglycerides you will see your lab result going down.  

Ask your GP if you can take psyllium husk (i don't know if you can take it if you have ulcers), and take in a lot of water.  Avoid eating foods that increases acid in your stomach and intestines. Watch your diet.  

Hope that helps  

[DeeDesai]

hello,

i got confused with the relationship, i thought that taking cholestrol medicines will increase triglycerides

Thank for clearly that up
have a good day

[KarenZ]

The information you provided me was so helpful in understanding my lab results. Everything is in perspective for me now. More importantly, I now know I don't need to be concerned. It's taken me awhile to respond back to you....apologies for that.

What is your background that you are equipped with all this knowledge?

Thanks so much for your help. I am very appreciative.

Karen

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

my trigly are 480 , i do take liptor (liptor), so its not bringing it down, i do not drink a lot and i take a acid pill everyday for acid reflux, will that cause them to be so high

[KarenZ]

You should re-post your question in the cardio forum as a new question. You will have more of a chance of someone responding with an answer. Good luck with your health.