Triglycerides

Other names: Triglycerides, Serum

Optimal Result: 0 - 149 mg/dL, or 0.00 - 1.68 mmol/L.

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your bloodstream. After you eat, your body converts any excess calories it doesn't immediately need into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. Between meals, hormones release these triglycerides to provide energy.

Consistently consuming more calories than your body uses—especially from refined carbohydrates, sugars, and fats—can lead to elevated triglyceride levels. High triglycerides are a key marker of metabolic health and may raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, pancreatitis, and other cardiovascular problems.


Why Are Triglycerides Important?

Triglyceride levels are measured as part of a lipid panel, which also includes total cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. This test is used to:

  • Assess your risk of heart disease and stroke

  • Monitor ongoing treatment for high lipid levels

  • Track progress after a heart attack or cardiac event

  • Guide lifestyle or medication-based interventions

Your healthcare provider will interpret your triglyceride results in combination with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, smoking status, age, blood sugar levels, and family history.


What Causes High Triglycerides?

High triglyceride levels may be caused by:

  • Overeating, especially refined carbs or sugary foods

  • Obesity or being overweight

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Excess alcohol intake

  • Uncontrolled diabetes or insulin resistance

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, beta blockers, diuretics, antipsychotics)

  • Genetic lipid disorders (such as familial hypertriglyceridemia)

Some people may have high triglycerides due to inherited conditions, even if they maintain a healthy lifestyle.


Who Should Get Tested?

Cholesterol and triglyceride testing is recommended at least every 4 to 6 years for people with no known risk factors, and more frequently for those who have any of the following:

  • Smoking

  • Obesity or excess weight

  • Poor diet

  • Physical inactivity

  • High blood pressure

  • Age ≥45 (men) or ≥55 (women)

  • Family history of heart disease

  • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

  • Previous heart attack or cardiovascular disease

Note: Traditionally, triglyceride levels are measured after fasting for 9–12 hours, but non-fasting tests are now also considered reliable in many cases. Your doctor will advise you on which test is appropriate.


Triglyceride Test Results: What Do They Mean?

Triglyceride levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Here’s how to interpret the results by age group:

Adults (Age 20 and older):

Triglyceride Level (mg/dL) Category
<150 Normal (Low risk)
150–199 Borderline high
200–499 High
≥500 Very high (Increased risk, pancreatitis risk)

 

 

Children (Newborn to 9 years):

Triglyceride Level (mg/dL) Category
<75 Normal (Low risk)
75–99 Borderline high
≥100 High

 

 

Youth (Ages 10–19):

Triglyceride Level (mg/dL) Category
<90 Normal (Low risk)
90–129 Borderline high
≥130 High

 

 


How to Lower Triglyceride Levels

If your triglycerides are high, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Lifestyle Changes

  • Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats (like omega-3s).

  • Limit sugar and refined carbs: These rapidly convert to triglycerides.

  • Increase physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

  • Lose excess weight: Even modest weight loss can significantly lower triglycerides.

  • Avoid alcohol: Especially if levels are very high.

Medications (if needed)

  • Statins

  • Fibrates

  • Niacin

  • Prescription-strength omega-3 fatty acids

Your healthcare provider will help you develop a personalized treatment plan based on your overall cardiovascular risk profile.


Final Thoughts

Triglycerides are a vital indicator of your heart health. Elevated levels may not cause symptoms, but over time they can contribute to atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, and cardiovascular disease. Regular screening, healthy lifestyle habits, and early intervention are key to maintaining optimal triglyceride levels and reducing long-term health risks.

What does it mean if your Triglycerides result is too high?

What Does It Mean If Your Triglyceride Levels Are High?

If your triglyceride test result is high, it means there is an excess of fat circulating in your bloodstream. Elevated triglycerides—also known as hypertriglyceridemia—can be influenced by several factors, including:

  • A diet high in fats and refined carbohydrates

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Certain medications (e.g., beta blockers, steroids, or diuretics)

  • Medical conditions like hypothyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes, or kidney disease

  • A family history of lipid disorders or genetic predisposition


Health Risks of High Triglycerides

Persistently high triglyceride levels are linked to an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, causing them to harden or narrow. Over time, this can impair blood flow to vital organs and increase the risk of serious health problems, including:

  • Coronary artery disease (angina or heart attack)

  • Stroke

  • Peripheral artery disease

  • Chronic kidney disease


How to Lower High Triglyceride Levels

The most effective way to reduce high triglycerides is by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Below are evidence-based strategies your healthcare provider may recommend:

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

  • Choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol

  • Increase fiber intake through whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables

  • Limit added sugars and refined carbs (e.g., white bread, soda, sweets)

Stay Physically Active

  • Aim for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming

Avoid Harmful Habits

  • Limit or eliminate alcohol, which can significantly raise triglycerides

  • Quit smoking to improve lipid levels and reduce cardiovascular risk

Manage Stress and Underlying Conditions

  • Practice stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing

  • Work with your provider to manage related conditions like diabetes, obesity, or thyroid imbalances


Special Considerations

It’s important to know that triglyceride levels may be temporarily elevated during pregnancy, which is typically not a cause for concern. Always share relevant health information with your provider to ensure accurate interpretation of test results.


Final Thoughts

High triglyceride levels are a modifiable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, medical support, and routine monitoring, you can successfully lower your triglycerides and protect your long-term health.

If your triglyceride levels are elevated, talk to your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and health history.

What does it mean if your Triglycerides result is too low?

A low level of triglycerides is desirable in that it lowers your risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Frequently asked questions

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