Triglycerides

(Tg)

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting ( 8-12 hrs). Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test.

Understanding Triglycerides

What is Triglycerides?

Triglycerides test is used to look for triglycerides, a type of fat (lipid) found in the blood. This test helps to assess the risks of developing blockages in heart and brain. Increased level of triglycerides may indicate major heart, kidney, or brain diseases.
People following a sedentary life style, unhealthy eating or those suffering from obesity are more prone to have elevated levels of triglycerides. It is crucial to establish an accurate diagnosis for triglyceride level to proactively mitigate the risks of stroke or major cardiovascular diseases.

What is Triglycerides used for?

The Triglycerides test is done:

As part of a routine check-up to screen for lipid disorders
To predict the chances of heart disease, especially in the presence of risk factors
To monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering treatment

What does Triglycerides measure?

Triglycerides test measures the levels of triglycerides in the blood.

Triglycerides are a type of body fat (lipid). Chemically, triglycerides consist of three ("tri-") molecules of fatty acid combined with a molecule of the alcohol glycerol ("-glyceride").

High levels of triglycerides in the blood have been linked to atherosclerosis which increases the risk of heart disease (Coronary Artery Disease), peripheral artery disease, stroke and kidney disease. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) builds up inside the arteries (blood vessels) resulting in narrowing of the lumen. This restricts the flow of blood to the organs and other parts of the body. Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis usually do not appear until severe or total blockage of the artery (blood vessel). Therefore, most people are not aware of atherosclerosis until they have a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Increased levels of triglycerides may also be seen in Metabolic syndrome (cluster of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke). Very high triglyceride levels can also cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Triglycerides test is usually done as a part of lipid profile which includes other tests like cholesterol, HDL (High-density lipoprotein), LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), VLDL (Very low-density lipoprotein) also.

Interpreting Triglycerides results

Interpretations

Normal — Less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
Borderline high — 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L)
High — 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)
Very high — 500 mg/dL or above (5.7 mmol/L or above)

Note: Triglyceride levels remain temporarily elevated for a period after meals. Hence, fasting for 12 hrs is required before the test.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Triglycerides

Frequently Asked Questions about Triglycerides

Q. What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition which is associated with the increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It is a cluster of below mentioned metabolic risk factors. Metabolic syndrome occurs when a person has three or more of the following risk factors: Abdominal obesity (Waist circumference of more than 40 inches in men, and more than 35 inches in women); Triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or greater in blood; HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) of less than 40 mg/dL in men or less than 50 mg/dL in women; Systolic blood pressure (top number) of 130 mm Hg or greater, or diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) of 85 mm Hg or greater; Fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL or greater.

Q. What are the causes of high triglycerides level in blood?

High triglycerides level can be due to: Poorly controlled diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, cirrhosis or other liver diseases, high alcohol intake, hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones), certain medications such as birth control pills, steroids, beta- blockers, diuretics, estrogen, tamoxifen etc. and genetic causes (Familial hyperlipoproteinemia).

Q. What are the best ways to lower triglycerides levels apart from medications?

A healthy lifestyle is the key to reducing triglycerides levels: Exercise regularly, lose weight and maintain normal body weight as per height, have a healthy diet low in sugars and fats, be more physically active and decrease alcohol intake.

Q. Is there any preparation required before the Triglycerides test?

An overnight period of fasting (a minimum of 12 hrs) is required before the blood sample is collected for the test. Inform the doctor about any medications you may be taking. Avoid high-fat diet on the night before the test. Do not drink alcohol before the test. No other preparations are required unless specified by your doctor.

Q. What additional tests your doctor may order in case Triglycerides test result is not normal?

Your doctor may order the following tests in case of abnormal results: Lipid Profile, Fasting Blood Sugar, Blood Sugar - PP (Post prandial) and Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

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