Triglycerides

Also known as: TG, Serum Triglycerides

Heart Blood (after 9–12 hours fasting)
Patient Friendly Summary

Triglycerides are your body's stored-calorie gauge — often the first lipid to improve when you cut sweets and alcohol and start walking daily.

What this test means

Triglycerides store unused calories. They respond strongly to recent diet, sweets, alcohol, and uncontrolled diabetes, and are part of heart-risk assessment.

Why it is done

It is done within the lipid profile for heart-risk screening and to evaluate fatty liver and metabolic health.

Understanding your value

If your value is high

High triglycerides can be seen with uncontrolled sugar, alcohol use, weight gain, and certain medicines. Very high levels can also affect the pancreas.

If your value is low

Low values are generally not a concern.

About the normal range

Below 150 mg/dL is commonly normal; 150–199 borderline; 200+ high. Non-fasting samples read higher, so fasting status matters.

When to consult a doctor

Discuss high values with your doctor; seek prompt advice for very high values (e.g., above 500 mg/dL) as pancreas risk rises.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is done within the lipid profile for heart-risk screening and to evaluate fatty liver and metabolic health. Your doctor will decide if this test is right for your situation.

High triglycerides can be seen with uncontrolled sugar, alcohol use, weight gain, and certain medicines. Very high levels can also affect the pancreas. This needs clinical correlation — always discuss your report with your doctor.

Low values are generally not a concern. This needs clinical correlation — always discuss your report with your doctor.

A single value rarely tells the whole story. Results need to be read together with your symptoms, history, and other tests. Please consult your doctor for a proper interpretation.

Quick Facts

  • TestTriglycerides
  • Short formsTG, Serum Triglycerides
  • Sample typeBlood (after 9–12 hours fasting)
  • CategoryHeart

Related Terms

Cholesterol Fatty Liver High

Specialists

Cardiology Endocrinology & Diabetology

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Disclaimer: This information is for patient education only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor.