Senior Care in Spartanburg SC

If your loved one’s doctor has diagnosed them with high triglycerides, it is normal to feel concerned and to have a lot of questions on your mind.  You have probably heard of high blood pressure and high cholesterol before, but what are triglycerides and what happens when your loved one has high levels of them?  In addition, is there anything you can do to help your loved one after a high triglycerides diagnosis?  Read on for more information about this condition and what you can do as a caregiver to help your loved one lower their triglycerides and get back on track to a healthier lifestyle.

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a necessary type of fat that are found in the blood and used for energy.  Everybody needs triglycerides to have good health, but high triglycerides can indicate metabolic syndrome (which can increase the risk for stroke, heart disease, and diabetes), and raises the risk for heart disease.  Triglyceride levels can be measured during a blood test that also measures cholesterol levels.  Normal triglyceride levels are considered to be less than 150, while triglyceride levels that are 500 and higher are considered to be very high.

What are the causes of high triglycerides?

There are many causes of high triglycerides including obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, drinking excessive alcohol, and eating more calories than are burned.  There are also certain medications that can raise triglyceride levels.

How can my loved one lower their triglyceride levels?

Since high triglycerides can be an indication that your loved one is at a higher risk for diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, it is a good idea to be vigilant about helping them lower their triglyceride levels.  Since high triglycerides can sometimes be a sign of another underlying problem, doctors will aim to treat that, as well.  Typically, lifestyle changes are the recommended treatment for high triglycerides which caregivers can certainly help their loved one with at home.  Since some of these lifestyle changes will be very challenging, they will need your support and encouragement.  These lifestyle changes include:

• Losing weight and/or maintaining a healthy weight.
• Having a more active lifestyle by beginning an exercise regimen that includes walking, water aerobics, strength training, etc.
• Quitting smoking.
• Limiting alcohol intake.
• Reducing the amount of carbohydrates and unhealthy fats in their diet.
• If they are diabetic, keeping their blood sugar levels under control.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Spartanburg, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.  Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.

Source:  http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/tc/high-triglycerides-overview

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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