Triglyceride Test – Indications, Procedures, Results

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 8 min read
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A triglycerides test measures the number of triglycerides in your blood triglycerides are a type of fat in your body. If you eat more calories than you need, the extra calories are changed into triglycerides. These triglycerides are stored in your fat cells for later use....

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

A triglycerides test measures the number of triglycerides in your blood triglycerides are a type of fat in your body. If you eat more calories than you need, the extra calories are changed into triglycerides. These triglycerides are stored in your fat cells for later use. Your body makes some triglycerides. Triglycerides also come from the food you eat. Extra calories are turned into triglycerides and...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains How the Test is Performed in simple medical language.
  • This article explains How to Prepare for the Test in simple medical language.
  • This article explains How the Test will Feel in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Why the Test is Performed in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
  • New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
  • Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

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Start here Choose the right pathway for symptoms, reports, medicines, or urgent warning signs. Disease article roadmap Read this topic step by step: meaning, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up. Treatment planner Prepare questions about treatment choices, benefits, risks, side effects, and follow-up. Family & caregiver guide Organize symptoms, reports, medicines, questions, and follow-up safely. Nutrition & diet guide Prepare food, hydration, supplement, and medicine-timing questions safely. Prevention guide Organize risk factors, protective habits, screening, and warning signs. Recovery guide Prepare a safe plan for activity, rehabilitation, warning signs, and follow-up.

A triglycerides test measures the number of triglycerides in your blood triglycerides are a type of fat in your body. If you eat more calories than you need, the extra calories are changed into triglycerides. These triglycerides are stored in your fat cells for later use. Your body makes some triglycerides. Triglycerides also come from the food you eat. Extra calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. If you eat more calories than your body needs, your triglyceride level may be high.

High triglycerides may contribute to the hardening of the arteries or the thickening of the artery walls (arteriosclerosis) — which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Extremely high triglycerides can also cause acute infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

A test for high blood cholesterol levels is a related measurement.

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed. Most of the time blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

How to Prepare for the Test

You should not eat for 8 to 12 hours before the test.

Alcohol and some medicines can interfere with blood test results.

  • Make sure your health care provider knows what medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
  • Your provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test.
  • DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first.

How the Test will Feel

You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. You may also feel some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn.

Why the Test is Performed

Triglycerides are usually measured together with other blood fats. Often it is done to help determine your risk of developing heart disease. A high triglyceride level may lead to atherosclerosis, which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

A high triglyceride level may also cause swelling of your pancreas (called pancreatitis).

Normal Results

A healthy number for triglycerides is below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Your healthcare provider classifies high triglyceride levels as Mild: 150-199 mg/dL. Moderate: 200-499 mg/dL.

Results may indicate:

  • Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
  • Borderline high: 150 to 199 mg/dL
  • High: 200 to 499 mg/dL
  • Very high: 500 mg/dL or above

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for the results of these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What Abnormal Results Mean

High triglyceride levels may be due to:

  • Cirrhosis or liver damage
  • Diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates
  • Underactive thyroid
  • Nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder)
  • Other medicines such as female hormones
  • Poorly controlled insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes
  • Disorder passed down through families in which there are high amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Overall, the treatment of elevated triglyceride levels focuses on increased exercise and changes in the diet. Drugs to lower triglyceride levels may be used to prevent pancreatitis for levels above 500 mg/dL.

Low triglyceride levels may be due to:

  • Low fat diet
  • thyroid gland makes too much hormone. সহজ বাংলা: থাইরয়েড হরমোন বেশি।" data-rx-term="hyperthyroidism" data-rx-definition="Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid gland makes too much hormone. সহজ বাংলা: থাইরয়েড হরমোন বেশি।">Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
  • Malabsorption syndrome (conditions in which the small intestine does not absorb fats well)
  • Malnutrition

Considerations

Pregnancy can affect test results.

Frequently Asked Question

What does it mean if your triglycerides are high?

High triglycerides may contribute to the hardening of the arteries or the thickening of the artery walls (arteriosclerosis) — which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Extremely high triglycerides can also cause acute infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

What is a normal triglyceride level?

A healthy number for triglycerides is below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Your healthcare provider classifies high triglyceride levels as Mild: 150-199 mg/dL. Moderate: 200-499 mg/dL.Apr 6, 2021

What is the danger level of triglycerides?

These blood fats can be one of the signs of metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk for having a heart attack or stroke.
Triglyceride levels
Normal Less than 150*
Borderline high 150–199
High 200–499
Very high 500 or higher

How can I lower my triglycerides quickly?

In some cases, triglycerides may be lowered with lifestyle changes, such as:
  1. Losing weight if you are overweight.
  2. Get regular exercise.
  3. Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar and carbohydrates.
  4. Avoid red meat, fried foods, cheese, butter, oils, and nuts, especially if triglycerides are over 500.

What is the best drink to lower triglycerides?

Best drinks to improve cholesterol
  1. Green tea. Green tea contains catechins and other antioxidant compounds that seem to help lower “bad” LDL and total cholesterol levels. …
  2. Soy milk. Soy is low in saturated fat. …
  3. Oat drinks. …
  4. Tomato juice. …
  5. Berry smoothies. …
  6. Drinks containing sterols and stanols. …
  7. Cocoa drinks. …
  8. Plant milk smoothies.

What is a healthy triglyceride level by age?

The ranges for children and teenagers ages 10–19 are slightly higher: Normal: under 90 mg/dl. Borderline high: 90–129 mg/dl. High: over 130 mg/dl.

What are the symptoms of high triglycerides levels?

High triglycerides themselves generally do not cause any symptoms. The only sure way to identify the issue and seek treatment is to test for high triglyceride levels. A doctor will suggest when and how often a person needs lipid screening based on their age and cardiovascular risk factors.

What foods cause high triglycerides?

Sugary food and drinks, saturated fats, refined grains, alcohol, and high-calorie foods can all lead to high levels of triglycerides.
Refined Grains and Starchy Foods
  • Enriched or bleached white bread, wheat bread, or pasta.
  • Sugary cereals.
  • Instant rice.
  • Bagels.
  • Pizza.
  • Pastries, pies, cookies, and cakes.

Which is worse triglycerides or LDL?

LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol because having too much LDL may cause a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels. Triglycerides are also a type of fat found in your blood. High triglycerides, low HDL, and/or high LDL numbers can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.

What are the 3 functions of triglycerides?

Triglycerides, cholesterol, and other essential fatty acids–the scientific term for fats the body can’t make on its own–store energy, insulate us and protect our vital organs.

How can I lower my triglycerides naturally?

Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to significantly reduce the elevated triglycerides level. Hence include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, trout), flax seeds, flaxseed oil, Almonds, and legumes.

What foods will help lower triglycerides?

Foods that can help lower triglycerides
  • oily fish, like sardines and salmon.
  • all vegetables, especially leafy greens, green beans, and butternut squash.
  • all fruits, especially citrus fruits, and berries.
  • low fat or fat-free dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk.

What foods are good for high triglycerides?

Foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be very powerful in lowering triglycerides. To get more omega-3 fats in your diet, choose fatty fish for two or more meals each week. Examples of fatty fish are mackerel, salmon, sardines, tuna, herring, and trout.Jan

How quickly can you lower triglycerides?

Depending on what’s causing your high triglyceride levels, you may be able to lower them in just a few days. A night out drinking or eating foods high in sugar can cause a spike in your triglyceride levels. Limiting alcohol and sugar intake can bring your levels back to normal within a few days.

Does lemon water lower triglycerides?

This natural beverage also contains limonene, potassium and antioxidants that may further lower your risk of heart disease. A study suggests that fasting with honey and lemon juice for as little as four days may reduce body weight, body mass index, fat mass and triglycerides.

What fruits reduce triglycerides?

Foods that may help lower triglycerides include:
  • Lower fructose vegetables: These include leafy greens, zucchini, butternut squash, green beans, and eggplant.
  • Lower fructose fruits: Examples include berries, kiwi, and citrus fruits

Do eggs raise triglycerides?

While it’s true that limiting foods that contain saturated fat is recommended when managing triglyceride levels, eggs in moderation may be an acceptable addition. An egg contains 1.6 grams of saturated fat, according to the USDA. However, data suggest that egg consumption does not appear to raise triglyceride levels

What foods to avoid if your triglycerides are high?

Cholesterol: High Triglyceride Foods to Avoid
  • Steer Clear of Starchy Vegetables. …
  • Skip High Sugar High Fat Beans. …
  • Enjoy Some, But Not Too Much Fruit. …
  • Be a Teetotaler. …
  • Choose Fish in Water Not Oil. …
  • Rethink Coconut. …
  • Limit Starchy Foods. …
  • Beware of Sugary Drinks.

Does drinking warm water reduce cholesterol?

Drinking plenty of water will keep your blood ways clean and eliminate excess buildup of cholesterol waste from the body. Drinking plenty of water will keep your blood ways clean! Moreover, drinking lots of water can improve your metabolic rate, which may help you lose weight.

Does lemon water lower cholesterol?

Drinking lemon juice daily reduces the level of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol in the body. Lemon Juice is one of the best natural cleansers because of its high citric acid content.

What should my cholesterol be for my age?

Age and sex Total cholesterol HDL cholesterol
Age and sex Total cholesterol HDL cholesterol
People aged 19 years and younger Total cholesterol Less than 120 mg/dL
Men aged 20 years and older Total cholesterol Less than 130 mg/dL
Women aged 20 years and older Total cholesterol Less than 130 mg/dL

Does not fasting affect triglyceride levels?

This study found a median non-fasting serum triglyceride concentration of 125 mg/dL with 75% of patients having a non-fasting triglyceride value <182 mg/dL (11). The fact that most patients have relatively normal concentrations of triglycerides (<150 mg/dL) even in the non-fasting state is good news.

Can high triglycerides affect kidneys?

The data revealed that higher triglyceride levels were consistently associated with a greater risk of increased creatinine levels, and thus a decrease in kidney function.

Is rice bad for triglycerides?

Carbs that are “white foods” — like pasta or bread made with white flour or semolina — can raise triglyceride levels. So can starchy foods like white rice and potatoes.

Do bananas help lower triglycerides?

The researchers also say that people with high triglycerides should focus on eating more vegetables; fruits that are lower in fructose such as cantaloupe, grapefruit, strawberries, bananas, peaches; high-fiber whole grains; and especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are found primarily in fatty fish such as salmon.
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Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Stop activity and seek urgent medical evaluation.
  • Chest pain should not be managed only with home medicine.
  • Discuss ECG and cardiac blood tests with emergency care when appropriate.

OTC medicine safety

  • Do not take random painkillers to hide chest pain before medical evaluation.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Chest pressure, sweating, breathlessness, fainting, pain spreading to arm/jaw/back, or known heart disease needs emergency care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Triglyceride Test – Indications, Procedures, Results

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.

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