Can High Triglycerides Lead to Liver Cancer?

One of the many dangers of high triglycerides is that it is one of five risk factors that can lead to metabolic syndrome. It is well-established that this syndrome increases the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Now a recent study from the National Cancer Institute has just discovered a possible link between this syndrome and liver cancer.

The discovery of the connection between metabolic syndrome and liver cancer is very important because this information may help to stop the rise of this deadly cancer. In this article, we will look more closely at the relationship between elevated triglycerides, metabolic syndrome and liver cancer.

The Rise of High Triglyceride Levels in America

Triglyceride levels have been on the rise for the past 30 years. Currently, approximately one-third, or 31%, of Americans have elevated triglyceride levels, which are defined as levels of more than 150 mg/dl. Alarmingly, levels continue to rise, especially among young adults. Consistent with the rise of triglycerides are the increased rates of obesity and diabetes at younger ages. Also on the increase is the incidence of metabolic syndrome, which is now affecting about 34% of Americans.

The Five Factors of Metabolic Syndrome

This syndrome is a combination of at least three out of five medical conditions, which are:

1. High blood pressure

2. Low levels of 'good' cholesterol

3. High triglycerides

4. High blood sugar levels

5. A large waistline, also known as "central obesity"

There are other names for metabolic syndrome, which include syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, metabolic syndrome X and cardio-metabolic syndrome.

Research studies have shown a definite connection between elevated triglycerides, syndrome X and the development of diseases and conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, and fatty liver. Research also shows that the incidence of syndrome X has risen over 10% since 1988.

Metabolic Syndrome and Liver Cancer

In its recent study, the National Cancer Institute discovered that people who have this insulin-resistant syndrome may be more likely to develop liver cancer. The study examined the medical histories of people diagnosed with this type of cancer. The data was then compared to the medical histories of healthy people. The results? More than 37% of those with the cancer had pre-existing syndrome X compared to 17.1% of healthy people with the syndrome.

Sadly, along with the rise of high triglycerides, and the increase in cases of metabolic syndrome, liver cancer is also on the rise and has been rapidly rising since the 1980's. This cancer is a serious and deadly cancer with only 10% surviving more than 5 years after diagnosis.

Preventing Liver Cancer

Considering the correlation between high triglycerides, metabolic syndrome and liver cancer, it is quite possible to conclude that some cases of liver cancer may be prevented if the syndrome is reversed through the control of the five medical conditions that lead to it. Each of these five medical conditions has been effectively controlled with diet and lifestyle changes.

Fortunately, whether you are battling high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, or a bulging waistline, the same diet and lifestyle changes can work for all of them.

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