Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. When you eat, your body converts calories it doesn't need immediately into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. Between meals, hormones release triglycerides for energy. Chronically high triglycerides — combined with high LDL or low HDL — significantly increase cardiovascular risk.
Reference Ranges
Male
0 – 150
mg/dL
Female
0 – 150
mg/dL
Child
0 – 130
mg/dL
Ages 10–18
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Always compare with the range printed on your lab report.
What Low Levels Mean
Very low triglycerides (below 50 mg/dL) are generally not concerning and may indicate a very low-fat diet, hyperthyroidism, or malabsorption. There is no clinically significant lower limit for triglycerides.
What High Levels Mean
Triglycerides of 150–199 mg/dL are borderline high, 200–499 are high, and above 500 are very high with a risk of pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas). High triglycerides are common in Indians and are strongly linked to diet, obesity, diabetes, and alcohol use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes high triglycerides?
Excess calories (especially from sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol), obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and certain medications (steroids, beta-blockers, estrogen). Indians are genetically predisposed to higher triglycerides.
Can I lower triglycerides without medication?
Yes, lifestyle changes are very effective. Cut sugar and refined carbs, limit alcohol, lose excess weight, exercise regularly, and eat more omega-3 fatty fish. These changes can lower triglycerides by 20–50%. Medication (fibrates, omega-3 supplements) is added if levels remain very high.
Why must I fast before a triglyceride test?
Triglycerides spike significantly after eating — a meal can raise levels by 20–50% for several hours. A 12-hour fast gives a true baseline reading. Some newer guidelines accept non-fasting triglycerides, but fasting remains the standard.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for interpretation of your test results.
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