Triglycerides
Everything you need to know about Triglycerides levels, including what normal ranges look like and what abnormal results might indicate.
Standard Reference Range
Unit: mg/dLReference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Always consult your doctor for interpretation.
What are Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your blood. They store unused calories and provide energy between meals.
Key Takeaway
High triglycerides often indicate metabolic problems and increase heart disease risk, especially when combined with low HDL.
Why is this test performed?
Triglyceride testing helps:
- Assess cardiovascular disease risk
- Evaluate pancreatitis risk
- Diagnose metabolic syndrome
- Monitor diabetes control
- Guide treatment decisions
Interpreting Your Results
Triglyceride Categories
Normal:
- ＜150 mg/dL: Desirable level
Borderline High:
- 150-199 mg/dL: Lifestyle changes recommended
High:
- 200-499 mg/dL: Treatment usually needed
Very High:
- ≥500 mg/dL: Immediate treatment required (pancreatitis risk)
Extremely High:
- ＞1000 mg/dL: Medical emergency, severe pancreatitis risk
Causes of High Triglycerides
Lifestyle Factors:
- Excess calories (especially carbs and alcohol)
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High sugar/refined carb diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Medical Conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes (poorly controlled)
- Metabolic syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Familial hypertriglyceridemia
Medications:
- Steroids
- Beta-blockers
- Thiazide diuretics
- Estrogen/birth control pills
- Tamoxifen
Health Risks
Cardiovascular Disease:
- Increased risk, especially with low HDL
- Promotes atherosclerosis
- "Atherogenic dyslipidemia" (high TG + low HDL)
Acute Pancreatitis:
- Risk increases significantly ＞500 mg/dL
- Emergency condition requiring hospitalization
Other Associations:
- Fatty liver disease
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic syndrome
Lowering Triglycerides
Lifestyle Changes (Very Effective):
- Lose weight: 5-10% reduction can lower TG by 20%
- Reduce carbohydrates: Especially sugar and refined carbs
- Limit alcohol: Can dramatically reduce TG
- Exercise regularly: 30 min most days
- Increase omega-3 fats: Fatty fish, fish oil
Dietary Recommendations:
- Eliminate sugary drinks
- Reduce fruit juice consumption
- Choose whole grains over refined
- Limit fructose intake
- Increase fiber
Medications (if ＞500 or resistant to lifestyle):
- Fibrates (fenofibrate, gemfibrozil): Reduce 30-50%
- Omega-3 fatty acids (prescription strength): Reduce 20-30%
- Niacin: Reduce 20-50% (less commonly used)
- Statins: Modest effect on TG
Important Testing Notes
- Must fast 9-12 hours before test
- Alcohol abstinence for 24 hours
- Can be affected by recent high-fat meal
- Varies more than other lipids (recheck if abnormal)
Related Tests
- Non-HDL cholesterol: Total minus HDL
- Glucose/HbA1c: Check for diabetes
- Liver enzymes: If very high TG
- Amylase/lipase: If pancreatitis suspected
Decode your Serum Triglycerides Results
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