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The triglyceride level is a laboratory test to measure the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat.
Your body makes some triglycerides. Triglycerides also come from the food you eat. When you eat, your body uses carbohydrate calories for immediate energy. Leftover calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. If you eat more calories than your body needs, your triglyceride level may be high.
See also:
- Low density lipoprotein test
- High density lipoprotein test
- High blood cholesterol and triglycerides
- Total cholesterol test
Triacylglycerol test
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testYou should not eat for 8 to 12 hours before the test.
Alcohol and certain drugs may affect test results. Make sure your doctor knows what medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Your doctor may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain medicines. Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs that can increase triglyceride measurements include beta blockers, cholestyramine, colestipol, estrogens, protease inhibitors, retinoids, certain antipsychotics, and Birth Control pills.
Drugs that can decrease triglyceride measurements include ascorbic acid, asparaginase, clofibrate, fenofibrate, fish oil, gemfibrozil, nicotinic acid, and statin medications.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThe most important use of this test is to help estimate your LDL cholesterol. This test is also done to help determine your risk of developing Heart disease. A high triglyceride level may lead to atherosclerosis, which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. A high triglyceride level may also cause inflammation of your pancreas.
Persons with a high triglyceride level often have other conditions such as Diabetes and obesity that also increase the chances of developing heart disease.
The triglyceride level is usually included in a lipid panel or coronary risk profile.
Normal Values- Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
- Borderline High: 150 - 199 mg/dL
- High: 200 - 499 mg/dL
- Very High: 500 mg/dL or above
High triglyceride levels may be due to:
- Cirrhosis
- Diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates
- Familial hyperlipoproteinemia (rare)
- Hypothyroidism
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Pancreatitis
- Poorly controlled diabetes
Low triglyceride levels may be due to:
- Low fat diet
- Hyperthyroidism
- Malabsorptionsyndrome
- Malnutrition
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
- Chylomicronemia syndrome
- Hyperlipidemia; acquired
- Familial combined hyperlipidemia
- Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia
- Familial hypertriglyceridemia
- Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency
- Noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDD)
- Stroke secondary to atherosclerosis
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Pregnancy can interfere with test results.
ReferencesExpert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Executive summary of the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). JAMA. 2001;285(19):2486-2497.
Implications of recent clinical trials for the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Circulation. 2004 Jul 13; 110(2):227-39.
Semenkovich CF. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 217.
What else can I help you with?
What happens if you have of triglyceride levels?
Triglyceride is a type of fat that can be found in your blood. Your body uses this as a source of energy. If you have a high level of triglyceride, the chances of heart deceases are increased.
Is high triglyceride level is associated with hyperinsulinemia?
yes
Why Your Triglyceride Level Matters?
Triglyceride levels have a direct affect on the health of your heart, and when they are too high your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke increases. A simple blood test can reveal your triglyceride level and whether they are within a healthy range. The optimal triglyceride level is between 100 to 150 mg/dL. Triglyceride levels outside of this range are considered dangerously high and should be lowered as soon as possible. However, prescription drugs are not recommended and are rarely prescribed to reach the optimal level. Triglycerides respond best to lifestyle changes, such as dieting, increased physical activity and weight reduction.
What is does it mean when your triglycerides are high?
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your body used for energy. You need some for good health, but a high amount puts you at risk for heart disease. A high triglyceride level is normally above 200.
What is an average triglicerides level?
An average triglycerides level is typically considered to be below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Levels between 150 to 199 mg/dL are classified as borderline high, while levels of 200 mg/dL or higher are considered high and may increase the risk of heart disease. Regular monitoring and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices can help manage triglyceride levels.
What happens if you have of triglyceride levels?
Triglyceride is a type of fat that can be found in your blood. Your body uses this as a source of energy. If you have a high level of triglyceride, the chances of heart deceases are increased.
Is high triglyceride level is associated with hyperinsulinemia?
yes
How do you calculate triglyceride level?
the amount of fat found in the blood
Is a high triglyceride unhealthy?
Triglycerides are molecules that regulate blood flow. Having a high level is bad because it is associated with heart disease. It is very unhealthy to have high Triglyceride level.
Are triglycerides good for you?
No. You should try to keep your triglyceride level low.
Why Your Triglyceride Level Matters?
Triglyceride levels have a direct affect on the health of your heart, and when they are too high your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke increases. A simple blood test can reveal your triglyceride level and whether they are within a healthy range. The optimal triglyceride level is between 100 to 150 mg/dL. Triglyceride levels outside of this range are considered dangerously high and should be lowered as soon as possible. However, prescription drugs are not recommended and are rarely prescribed to reach the optimal level. Triglycerides respond best to lifestyle changes, such as dieting, increased physical activity and weight reduction.
If you have high triglyceride how can you lower it?
You can lower high triglyceride by watching what you eat and avoiding fats, sugars and carbohydrates. By doing this yyou will lower the level of triglceride found in your body.
What is a high triglyceride level?
Triglyceride levels ranging from 400-1000 mg/dL are considered high and levels greater than 1000 mg/ dL are considered very high.
Would it be healthy to have a 0 MGDL triglyceride level?
No. Although too much triglycerides is harmful to health, they are nonetheless needed in the body. It would not be possible to have a triglyceride count of 0 mg/dL.
What is abnormal triglyceride 178?
A triglyceride level of 178 mg/dL is considered borderline high. Elevated triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. To lower triglycerides, lifestyle modifications such as exercise, a healthy diet, and possibly medication may be recommended by a healthcare provider.
Do mct increase a triglyceride level?
Consuming medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can actually lead to a reduction in triglyceride levels in the body. MCTs are metabolized differently than long-chain triglycerides, and have been shown to have a positive effect on lipid profiles, potentially lowering triglyceride levels.
What does a 2500 triglyceride level do to the body?
A triglyceride level of 2500 is extremely high and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, pancreatitis, and fatty liver disease. It can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing blockages and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to lower triglyceride levels through lifestyle changes and medication.
