Triglycerides Test

Triglycerides test blood fat and heart health. Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that indicate heart disease risk. Triglycerides come from the food we eat, especially fats and carbs and is also produced by our body. If we eat too many calories, or if we have specific health issues like diabetes and being overweight, too many triglycerides can develop.

Triglycerides Test

Triglycerides test blood fat and heart health. Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that indicate heart disease risk. Triglycerides come from the food we eat, especially fats and carbs and is also produced by our body. If we eat too many calories, or if we have specific health issues like diabetes and being overweight, too many triglycerides can develop.

Done after an overnight fast, the test reveals baseline triglyceride levels. The results are in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). Under 150 mg/dL is normal, 150-199 mg/dL is borderline high, and 200 mg/dL and above is high. High triglycerides elevate atherosclerosis risk—fatty deposits accumulating in arteries. Blood vessels narrow, risking heart attacks and strokes. High triglycerides often coincide with low HDL levels and insulin resistance, raising the risk.

People might need to make lifestyle changes to manage triglyceride levels like eating differently, exercising regularly, and keeping a healthy weight. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe medicine to lower triglycerides if lifestyle changes aren't enough.