Description
Triglycerides are the body's storage form for fat. Most triglycerides are found in tissue. Some of them circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. Extra triglycerides are found in the blood after eating a meal.
This test for triglycerides are usually part of a lipid profile used to identify the risk of developing heart disease. In case of a diabetic patient, it is especially important to have triglycerides measured as part of any lipid testing since triglycerides increase significantly when blood sugar is out of control.
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.
Purpose of the test
To meassure the concentration of triglycerides in blood in order to evaluate the risk of developing heart disease.
This test is prescribed as part of a lipid profile during a regular medical exam or if you are being treated for high triglycerides.
Lipid profiles, including triglycerides test, are recommended as routine tests to evaluate risk of heart disease in healthy adults.
This test is not often ordered alone since risk of heart disease is based on cholesterol levels (see cholesterol, HDL, LDL), not triglycerides.
Also if you have been found to have high triglycerides and are being treated for it, a triglyceride test may be ordered to see if treatment is working.
Reference range values
mg/dL (SI: mmol/L = 0.0113 x mg/dL)
Normal <150
Borderline high risk 150 - 199
High risk 200 - 499
Very high risk >=500
Abnormal findings
Even when it is unusual to have high triglycerides without also having high cholesterol. Most treatments for heart disease risk will be aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol. However, the type of treatment used to lower LDL cholesterol may differ depending on whether triglycerides are high or normal.
Very high triglycerides levels lead to risk of developing pancreatitis.