Synonym: TG, TRIG , triacylglycerol, TAG, triacylglyceride.

Triglycerides (TG) are the most common form of fats in the body as well as considers the main sources of energy. It composed of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. In addition, triglycerides occupy most lipids in adipose tissue.

Triglyceride provided the adequate energy for the body muscles to work, in the same time the excess amount of triglyceride in the blood that get from different kinds of food store in the adipose tissue. Moreover, triglyceride carry by very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) from blood to tissues.

The triglycerides test measures the amount of Triglycerides in the blood, and is usually performed as part of a lipid profile In addition to other components like total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol.

Increased levels of triglycerides are associated with heart diseases, for example coronary artery disease. There are many factors that can increase triglycerides levels such as lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, certain medicines (such as Estrogen and progestin, Retinoid, and Steroids), and also when having medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid and kidney diseases. Highly triglycerides levels may also cause by acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

The triglycerides test is ordered as part of a lipid profile to determine the risk of developing diseases like cardiovascular disease, and also determine the suitable treatment for unhealthy lipid levels.

The triglycerides test is recommended for adults with no risk factors every four to six years. However, the presence of one or more risk factors for heart disease such as having high blood pressure, having an unhealthy diet, cigarette smoking, family history of premature heart disease, having pre-existing heart disease or being overweight or obese, then the test may be ordered more frequently. In addition, the lipid profile should be tested at least one time between the ages of 9 and 11 and once again between the ages of 17 and 21 for children and young adults. Moreover, the test is recommended for children and young adults who are at an increased risk of developing heart disease as adults. A triglycerides testing at regular intervals helps evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or the response to drug therapy for unhealthy lipid profile result.

The triglycerides test is a part of a lipid profile that does not require any preparation steps by the patient except being fasted at least 9 hours. A healthcare provider may decide to perform the test without fasting in certain cases like youths without risk factors.

Reference values:

Normal   Less than 150 mg/dL,   Less than 1.7 mmol/L

Borderline High     150–199 mg/Dl,    1.7–2.2 mmol/L

High        200–499 mg/dL,    2.2–5.6 mmol/L

Very High      Greater than 500 mg/dL, Greater than 5.6 mmol/L

*Normal ranges may vary from one lab to another due to several factors, so it is important to discuss test results with a doctor. In addition, these values are based on fasting triglyceride levels.

The Triglycerides test is often performed by drawing a blood sample from the patient’s arm to analyze and measure the amount of Triglycerides in the sample of (1mL) volume. Sometimes Triglycerides test is measured by using a fingerstick sample. The method most probably used is spectrophotometry.

Monitoring Normal levels of Triglycerides consider as part of a lipid profile, which also consists of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol that doing it is important for staying healthy. Results are usually used along with other known risk factors of heart disease to develop a plan of treatment and follow-up. 

A healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as lose weight, eat a healthier diet, get more exercise and take cholesterol-lowering medication if the result of the Triglycerides test were borderline high, high, or very high.

The Triglycerides test is ordered as part of a lipid profile to assist in determining the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and to help in determining the suitable treatment for unhealthy lipid levels.

The Triglycerides test is recommended during a health checkup for people with no risk factors every four to six years for adults, or once between the ages of 9 and 11 and then again between the ages of 17 and 21 for youth. However, Triglyceride is tested at more frequent intervals, if a person has one or more risk factors for heart disease such as having high blood pressure, or being overweight or obese. It may also be ordered as a follow-up test after a high result of a total cholesterol test, or at regular intervals to evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or the response to therapy for unhealthy lipid profile results.