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Triglycerides

Lipids Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Lipids

Overview

Triglycerides are the main form of fat stored and transported in the blood, reflecting circulating fatty acids carried in lipoproteins after meals. The test measures the concentration of triglycerides in plasma, usually after fasting, and helps evaluate lipid metabolism. Abnormal results can suggest risk for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, poorly controlled diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease, and in very high levels a risk of acute pancreatitis. Many people have no symptoms; very high levels can cause abdominal pain from pancreatitis or xanthomas (fatty skin deposits). Levels vary with age, sex and life stage (tend to rise with age and after menopause), ethnicity, and recent food or alcohol intake.

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Test Preparation

Overnight fasting (8-12 hrs) is required
Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test

Why Do I Need This Test

Included in: Lipids profile (lipid panel) - Symptoms indicating test: chest pain, unexplained abdominal pain, recurrent pancreatitis, or work-up for cardiovascular risk - Diagnoses/monitoring: dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes control, pancreatitis risk - Reasons for abnormal: high-calorie/high-carb diet, alcohol, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, medications, genetic disorders - Biological meaning: elevated triglycerides indicate excess circulating fat and impaired clearance or overproduction - Lifestyle causes: overeating, sugary/carbohydrate-rich diet, heavy alcohol intake, physical inactivity - Family history: premature cardiovascular disease or known familial hypertriglyceridemia suggests testing

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Symptom Checker

Understanding Test Results

<150 mg/dL (<1.7 mmol/L): Normal.
Low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk from triglycerides alone; routine lifestyle advice if near upper limit.
150–199 mg/dL (1.7–2.2 mmol/L): Borderline high.
Suggests increased cardiometabolic risk; recommend diet, weight loss, exercise, and recheck after lifestyle change.
200–499 mg/dL (2.3–5.6 mmol/L): High.
Associated with greater atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk and often coexists with low HDL or insulin resistance; evaluate for diabetes, hypothyroidism, medications, and consider pharmacologic therapy if persistent.
≥500 mg/dL (≥5.6 mmol/L): Very high.
Markedly increases risk of acute pancreatitis; requires urgent dietary measures (very low fat), strict glycemic control, and often drug therapy (fibrates, high-dose omega‑3); may need specialist care.
Low values (e.g., <40 mg/dL): Uncommon and usually not harmful; can reflect malnutrition, malabsorption, hyperthyroidism, chronic illness, or certain genetic conditions.
Notes: Nonfasting samples and recent alcohol or high-fat meals can markedly raise triglycerides; for high values a fasting repeat (8–12 hours) and assessment of secondary causes is recommended.

Normal Range

0-150 mg/dL OR 0-1.7 mmol/L

FAQs

Q: What happens if triglycerides are high?

A: High triglycerides often cause no symptoms but raise risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and stroke, and contribute to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and fatty liver. Very high levels (typically >1,000 mg/dL) can trigger acute pancreatitis. They also associate with low HDL and small, dense LDL particles, increasing cardiovascular risk; treatment lowers these risks.

Q: What organ causes high triglycerides?

A: The liver is the primary organ responsible for high triglycerides. It produces and packages triglycerides into VLDL particles; overproduction from insulin resistance, obesity, excessive alcohol, certain drugs, or genetic disorders raises blood levels. The intestine adds dietary triglycerides after meals and adipose tissue supplies free fatty acids the liver converts, but the liver is the main regulator.

Q: What is the best drink to lower triglycerides?

A: The best drinks to lower triglycerides are water and unsweetened beverages—especially green tea and black coffee in moderation—because they replace sugary drinks and may modestly improve lipid levels. Choose unsweetened plant milks or low‑fat dairy if needed. Avoid sugar‑sweetened drinks and alcohol, which raise triglycerides. Combine these choices with a healthy diet, weight loss and medical advice for best results.

Q: Are triglycerides worse than cholesterol?

A: Neither is universally worse. Triglycerides and cholesterol are different fats both affect health. High LDL cholesterol drives atherosclerosis and heart disease; low HDL is harmful. Very high triglycerides raise pancreatitis risk and also increase cardiovascular risk. Which is worse depends on levels and overall risk profile. Lifestyle changes, glucose control and medicines reduce both risks.

Q: How to reduce triglycerides?

A: Lower triglycerides by losing excess weight and exercising regularly (aim for ≥150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly), cutting added sugars and refined carbohydrates, limiting alcohol, and reducing saturated/trans fats while choosing unsaturated fats and oily fish (or omega‑3 supplements). Control blood sugar, stop smoking, and treat underlying conditions. If lifestyle changes are insufficient, your clinician may recommend medications.

Q: Which foods increase triglycerides?

A: Foods that raise triglycerides include sugary foods and drinks (sodas, sweets, pastries), refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, many baked goods), high‑fat processed and fried foods, items high in trans and saturated fats (certain baked goods, fatty cuts of meat, full‑fat dairy), and excessive alcohol. Frequent overeating or high‑fructose corn syrup–containing products also elevate triglyceride levels.