What Are Triglycerides in a Blood Test?

Q: What Are Triglycerides in a Blood Test?

Triglycerides explained: normal below 150 mg/dL, what high triglycerides means (pancreatitis risk, cardiovascular disease), causes (alcohol, sugar, obesity), and how to lower them.

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They store excess energy from your diet. High levels increase cardiovascular and pancreatitis risk.

Normal Range

Below 150 mg/dL: normal
150–199: borderline high
200–499: high
Above 500: very high (pancreatitis risk)

What Causes High Triglycerides?

Alcohol — even moderate amounts
Sugar and refined carbs
Obesity
Uncontrolled diabetes
Certain medications — steroids, estrogen
Genetic conditions

How to Lower Triglycerides

Eliminate alcohol — the single most effective change
Cut sugar and refined carbs
Increase omega-3s — fish oil
Exercise
Lose weight

Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

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