HomeLab TestsTriglycerides Test
Back to Lab Tests
Triglycerides Test
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Triglycerides Test

A triglycerides test measures the amount of fat in your blood, helping to assess your risk for heart disease and stroke.

What is a triglycerides test?

Triglycerides are a type of fat used by your body for energy. While necessary for health, high levels in the blood can damage arteries and increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Extremely high levels can also cause acute pancreatitis. Common causes of high triglycerides include poor diet (high fat/sugar), lack of exercise, obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease, and certain medications.

What is it used for?

The test is used to evaluate your risk for heart disease and stroke. It is typically performed as part of a lipid profile, which also measures cholesterol levels. This information helps providers calculate your overall cardiovascular risk.

Why do I need a triglycerides test?

Testing is often part of a routine checkup. Frequency depends on age, sex, and risk factors. Generally, healthy individuals should be tested every five years starting in young adulthood, with more frequent testing recommended for those over 65 or those with risk factors like smoking, obesity, diabetes, or a family history of early heart disease.

What happens during a triglycerides test?

A health care professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes less than five minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You may be required to fast (no food or drink) for 9 to 12 hours before the test. Follow your provider's specific instructions.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is very little risk, with only minor potential for temporary pain or bruising at the needle site.

What do the results mean?

Results are measured in mg/dL. For adults, levels under 150 mg/dL are considered healthy. Levels from 150–199 mg/dL are borderline high, 200–499 mg/dL are high, and 500 mg/dL or higher are very high. High levels may be managed through lifestyle changes, such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation, or through medication if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most labs require 9–12 hours of fasting before a triglycerides test. You can usually take your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you’re on insulin or certain blood pressure drugs, let your provider know so they can adjust timing or dosage to avoid affecting the results.
fter any significant change, repeat the test in 4–6 weeks to assess the response. If levels remain high, your provider may adjust the plan or add medication. For stable patients, annual or biennial testing is usually sufficient.===
Cutting refined carbs and sugary drinks, increasing omega‑3 fatty acids (like fish or flaxseed), adding soluble fiber (oats, beans, fruits), and losing 5–10% of body weight can reduce triglycerides by 20–30%. Regular aerobic exercise (30 minutes most days) also helps.
Very high levels (often >1000 mg/dL) can trigger acute pancreatitis, which presents with sudden severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Seek emergency care if you experience these symptoms. Also, extremely high triglycerides can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, so prompt medical evaluation is essential.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss