On 9/8, Dr. Duong Minh Tuan from the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department at Bach Mai Hospital reported a patient's triglyceride (a blood fat indicator) levels had reached 22.5 mmol/L, 4 times the critical threshold. Levels between 2.3 and 5.6 mmol/L are considered very high, and above 11.3 mmol/L is deemed dangerous, increasing the risk of acute pancreatitis.
"When triglycerides surpass 11.3 mmol/L, the body is like a ticking time bomb," Dr. Tuan explained.
A similar case involved Lan, a 42-year-old businesswoman from Hanoi. Although she didn't drink alcohol, she had a penchant for sweets, from afternoon treats to sugary iced coffee every morning. Her triglyceride levels also reached dangerous levels, putting her at risk of acute pancreatitis.
Blood fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides, are essential components of blood. Abnormal fluctuations in these levels indicate a lipid disorder, also known as dyslipidemia. According to the World Health Organization, dyslipidemia is increasing at an alarming rate globally. In Vietnam, the National Institute of Nutrition reported the percentage of adults with high cholesterol increased from 18.6% in 2010 to 29.6% in 2020. Alarmingly, dyslipidemia often presents no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many individuals only discover the condition through routine check-ups or after experiencing severe complications like heart attacks or strokes.
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Regular alcohol consumption is detrimental to health. Illustrative photo: Anh Thu |
Regular alcohol consumption is detrimental to health. Illustrative photo: Anh Thu
Dr. Tuan explained how excessive alcohol and sugar consumption contributes to high blood fat. When the body processes large amounts of sugar, particularly fructose found in alcoholic and processed foods, the liver converts it into fat. This fat enters the bloodstream as triglycerides. A single 330ml can of beer contains about 10-15g of carbohydrates. However, frequent consumption leads to a cumulative effect that can quickly raise blood fat to alarming levels.
A 2019 study published in the journal Gastroenterology revealed that while triglyceride-induced acute pancreatitis accounts for only 1-4% of all pancreatitis cases, it has a mortality rate 20% higher than other causes. High triglyceride levels block small blood vessels in the pancreas, resulting in cell death and systemic inflammation.
Doctors recommend lifestyle changes as the cornerstone of triglyceride management. Patients are advised to minimize alcohol, simple sugars, and refined starches (like white rice, sweets, and soft drinks). Instead, they should increase their intake of vegetables, low-sugar fruits, and seafood. Individuals with high triglycerides should minimize fat intake (below 10-15% of total energy), engage in regular cardio and strength training exercises.
A 2021 study of 1,200 patients published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that reducing sugar intake by 50% can lower triglycerides by 30% in just 8 weeks.
Adults 30 and older should have their blood fat levels checked annually, especially those who smoke, have abdominal obesity, are inactive, or have a history of cardiovascular disease. Even with a normal BMI, individuals can still have dyslipidemia and potentially face serious complications if not addressed promptly.
Thuy Quynh
