A triglycerides test is a blood test that measures the level of triglycerides, a type of fat (lipid) in your blood. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the body, stored in fat cells and used for energy between meals.The test helps assess your risk for heart disease, as high triglycerides can contribute to the hardening or thickening of artery walls (atherosclerosis), which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. It is often part of a lipid panel, which also measures cholesterol levels.

Normal Range:

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

Preparation:

Fasting for 9-12 hours before the test is usually required, as triglyceride levels can fluctuate after eating.

Factors influencing triglyceride levels:

• Diet (especially sugar, alcohol, and fat intake)
• Obesity
• Physical activity
• Medical conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, etc.)
• Medications (such as birth control pills or steroids).

Cardiovascular Diseases like heart attack or stroke.

The ranges for the Triglycerides are as follows. Range Triglycerides Level Normal Less than 150 mg/dL Borderline High 150 to 199 mg/dL High 200 to 499 mg/dL Very High 500 mg/dL & Above.

Normal Triglyceride levels mean a healthy range. Borderline High Triglyceride levels mean an individual should concentrate on lowering the triglyceride levels. High Triglyceride levels may contribute to artery thickening or hardening (arteriosclerosis), which raises the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. Excessively high or very high Triglycerides levels can potentially induce severe pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis). Problems typically associated with high triglycerides. Obesity Metabolic syndrome (a cluster of disorders that include too much fat around the waist) High blood pressure Excessive blood sugar Abnormal cholesterol levels.

The results of the Triglycerides test entirely depend on the blood samples. Test Preparation The Triglycerides test has fasting requirements. You are not allowed to eat or drink anything from 12 hours before the test. Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.