Triglycerides Test Test
This test measures the amount of triglycerides, a type of fat, in your blood. High levels can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis.
What this test measures
A triglycerides test measures the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat that your body uses for energy. Extra calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
Higher than normal levels may mean you have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and other artery conditions. Very high levels increase the risk of acute pancreatitis.
Lower-than-normal results
Triglyceride levels that are too low are very uncommon.
Frequently asked questions
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. Your body uses them for energy. Extra calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells.
Why is this test done?
It helps understand your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other artery conditions. It is also used to monitor heart conditions and treatments.
What do high triglyceride levels mean?
High levels may increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. Very high levels (500 mg/dL or higher) increase the risk of sudden pancreatitis.
What causes high triglycerides?
Causes include eating a lot of high-fat and high-sugar foods, not enough exercise, certain medical conditions (like diabetes or thyroid disease), being overweight, alcohol use, and some medicines.
How can I lower my triglycerides?
Your provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as eating heart-healthy foods, getting regular physical activity, aiming for a healthy weight, managing stress, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and limiting alcohol. Sometimes medicine is needed.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Triglycerides Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.