Triglycerides

Triglycerides are ester compounds of glycerol and fatty acids that are of great importance in the diagnosis and monitoring of lipoprotein-related disorders.
In plasma, they are transported in the form of VLDL and chylomicrons bound to apolipoproteins,
and their measurement is important in predicting the risk of atherosclerosis, controlling lipid levels,
and evaluating the treatment and efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs.
Recent studies show that increased triglyceride levels along with increased LDL in plasma are directly related to increased risk of coronary heart disease.
High triglyceride levels are also seen in various liver, kidney, and pancreatic diseases.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a major structural component of cell membranes and a precursor for steroid hormones and bile acids.
It is synthesized in cells and absorbed from foodstuffs.
Cholesterol in plasma is carried by lipoproteins, which are a collection of lipids and apolipoproteins.
Lipoproteins are divided into four categories, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and chylomicrons.
LDL transports cholesterol into tissues, while HDL removes cholesterol from tissues.
Studies have shown a close relationship between high LDL levels in the serum of individuals and coronary artery disease and other types of atherosclerosis.
Even in cases where cholesterol levels are normal, high LDL levels indicate a high risk of developing the above diseases.
Unlike LDL, HDL acts as a protector and protector by removing cholesterol from the tissues,
and high HDL levels reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, while low HDL levels, even if cholesterol is normal, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, measuring cholesterol is only used to screen patients, while measuring HDL and LDL is necessary to estimate the likelihood of a heart attack.
Clinical studies conducted in recent years have shown that appropriate diets,
changing behavioral patterns (including exercise, quitting smoking, and avoiding stress),
and using drugs that lower cholesterol and LDL levels can greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

HDL/LDL

Cholesterol Absorbed from food, it is a component of the cell wall, a precursor for steroid hormones and bile acids made in the body.
Cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins (combination of lipids and apolipoproteins) in plasma.
Lipoproteins can be seen in four forms: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which plays a role in transporting cholesterol to cells,
HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is responsible for returning cholesterol from cells, VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein),
and chylomicrons, whose thickness is clearly related to the blockage of coronary arteries.
The increase of LDL causes the formation of plaque in the inner membrane of the arteries,
which ultimately leads to the clogging of the coronary arteries.
An increase in LDL even with normal cholesterol levels indicates a high risk of blood clots,
while HDL has a protective effect against the formation of plaques and has an inverse relationship with the occurrence of blood clots in the coronary arteries.
As a result, the reduction of HDL is an independent risk factor in arterial occlusion.
Cholesterol measurement alone is not enough to identify patients with the risk of coronary artery blockage,
and it is necessary to evaluate the level of LDL and HDL along with it. Research in recent years has shown that the use of a correct diet,
lifestyle changes and the use of appropriate medications can reduce cholesterol and LDL and effectively reduce the possibility of clogging of heart vessels.