Learn About Triglycerides
About Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of "bad" fat found in your bloodstream. Triglycerides are part of your total cholesterol reading. Triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. They are released between meals when you need energy.
What You Should Know
Here's what you need to know about triglycerides:
- Everyone has triglycerides
- Some people have too many triglycerides
- If you eat more calories than your body burns on a regular basis, your triglycerides might become too high
- People who have above-normal triglycerides often have other health risks like high LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol
- If you already have other health problems like type 2 diabetes, you might be at risk for having above-normal triglycerides
For more information about terms related to triglycerides, see the Glossary.
What Is Normal?
Normal triglycerides are less than 150 mg/dL. Here are the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines for triglyceride levels:
Am I at Risk?
Your doctor can measure your triglyceride level with a blood test. This blood test is part of a lipid profile that also checks your cholesterol levels. Your triglyceride number is different from your cholesterol numbers.
You might be at risk for very high triglyceride levels if you have other health problems like:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
Take your triglyceride number seriously. It is important to know if you have very high triglycerides. Learn the risk factors that may apply to you. A healthy diet and medication can help lower your triglycerides. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
