Triglycerides Test
Reviewed
Also called: TG, TRIG, lipid panel, fasting lipoprotein panel
A triglycerides test is a blood test that measures the amount of a fat in your blood called triglycerides.
Specimen: Blood
Why this test may be ordered
- To assess your risk for heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
- To monitor heart conditions and treatments to lower heart disease risk.
- As part of a routine checkup or lipid profile.
Preparation and collection
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 9 to 12 hours before your blood is drawn. Your provider will let you know if you need to fast and if there are any special instructions to follow.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Triglycerides are usually measured in milligrams (mg) of triglycerides per deciliter (dL) of blood. Triglyceride levels that are too low are very uncommon.
- Borderline high (150 to 199 mg/dL in adults): Triglyceride levels that are higher than normal may mean you have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other conditions that affect your arteries. Limitation: Guidelines for children and teens are different than adults. Next step: If your blood triglyceride levels are borderline, your provider may order another blood test called apolipoprotein B or "apo B."
- High (200 to 499 mg/dL in adults): Triglyceride levels that are higher than normal may mean you have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other conditions that affect your arteries. Having high blood triglycerides also increases your risk of metabolic syndrome. Limitation: High blood triglyceride levels usually don't cause any symptoms, so routine testing is important to help you find and treat high triglyceride levels before they harm your health. Next step: To lower your blood triglycerides, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as: Eating heart-healthy foods and limiting added sugar and foods high in saturated fat, Getting regular physical activity, Aiming for a healthy weight, Managing stress, Quitting smoking, Getting enough sleep, Limiting alcohol.
- Very high (500 mg/dL and higher in adults): Very high triglyceride levels increase your risk of sudden pancreatitis. Limitation: Guidelines for children and teens are different than adults. Next step: In certain cases, you may also need medicine to help lower your triglyceride levels.
- High triglycerides usually cause no symptoms, so routine testing is important.
- Results should be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your overall health and risk factors.
- For children and teens, different reference ranges apply – ask your child's provider for explanation.
What to do next
Before making any major changes to your diet or exercise routine, talk with your provider about what treatment is best for you. Ask your child's provider to explain what your child's test results mean.
- What is my complete lipid profile (including LDL and HDL cholesterol)?
- What is my overall risk for heart disease and stroke?
- What lifestyle changes would help lower my triglycerides?
- Do I need medication to lower my triglycerides?
- How often should I have this test repeated?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.