What it means
The form in which the body stores extra calories as fat. A blood test, usually after fasting, measures them as part of a lipid panel with cholesterol. High levels come with obesity, diabetes that is not well controlled, heavy drinking, a diet high in sugar and refined starch, and some drugs. Very high levels raise the risk of pancreatitis; high levels add to the risk of heart diseaseHART dih-ZEEZA general term for any condition that affects the structure or function of the heart.Full entry .
For the nurse
Tell the client to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test if ordered, with water allowed. Teach diet changes: fewer sweets and refined starches, less alcohol, more fiber and more exercise.
At a glance
| Normal range | Less than 150 mg/dL [less than 1.7 mmol/L] fasting. |
|---|---|
| Spanish | triglicéridos |
| Also written | triglyceride, triglyceride level, triglyceride levels, TG |
Related terms
metabolic syndrome
A group of risk factors, such as a large waist, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal blood fats, occurring together.
low-density lipoprotein
A particle that carries cholesterol in the blood; its level is measured in a lipid panel and is often called "bad" cholesterol.
heart disease
A general term for any condition that affects the structure or function of the heart.