Triglycerides Test
Reviewed
Also called: TG, TRIG, lipid panel, fasting lipoprotein panel
A triglycerides test measures the amount of triglycerides in your blood. High levels may increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other conditions. The test is often part of a lipid profile.
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 the test. Your provider will tell you if fasting is needed and give any special instructions.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The process usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk. You may have slight pain or bruising at the needle site, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Triglycerides are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. The following categories are commonly used for adults. For children and teens, different guidelines apply – ask your child's provider to explain the results.
- Healthy: Triglyceride level less than 150 mg/dL. This is in the healthy range and suggests a lower risk for heart disease and stroke related to triglycerides. Limitation: This result does not guarantee absence of risk. Other factors (e.g., cholesterol levels, blood pressure, smoking) also affect your overall risk. Next step: Continue healthy lifestyle habits. Discuss your complete lipid profile and risk factors with your provider.
- Borderline high: Triglyceride level between 150 and 199 mg/dL. This indicates a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Your provider may order an additional test (apolipoprotein B) to better understand your risk. Limitation: This is a risk category, not a diagnosis. Many factors contribute to your overall risk. Next step: Talk with your provider about lifestyle changes (heart-healthy eating, physical activity, weight management) and whether further testing is needed.
- High: Triglyceride level between 200 and 499 mg/dL. This increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other artery conditions. Limitation: High triglycerides often have no symptoms. This result does not diagnose a specific disease but indicates elevated risk. Next step: Your provider may recommend lifestyle changes and possibly medication to lower your levels. Discuss a treatment plan.
- Very high: Triglyceride level 500 mg/dL or higher. This significantly increases your risk of sudden pancreatitis in addition to heart disease and stroke. Limitation: Very high levels can be caused by inherited conditions, medical problems, or medications. Immediate lifestyle changes and medical management are important. Next step: Seek prompt medical follow-up to discuss treatment options, which may include medication and intensive lifestyle changes.
- 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
If your triglycerides are high, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as heart-healthy eating, limiting added sugar and saturated fat, regular physical activity, weight management, stress reduction, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and limiting alcohol. In some cases, medication may be needed. Always discuss any major changes with your provider.
- 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?