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Normal Triglycerides Level

Triglycerides are a form of fat produced by the liver and are also absorbed into the body through food. Triglycerides are found in blood and fatty tissue. Triglyceride level is checked as part of a test called a lipid profile, or lipid panel, which is obtained to evaluate cholesterol and to assess the risk of vascular and coronary diseases. A high triglyceride level can harden the walls of the arteries, which can increase the risk of serious conditions such as stroke, heart attack or heart disease.

  1. The Test

    • A blood sample for a triglyceride test is obtained by a nurse or phlebotomist from a vein in your hand or arm. The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for processing. This test is usually performed after fasting, with only water permitted, for 8 to 12 hours. Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours before this test.

    Normal Level

    • According to MedlinePlus.com, a normal triglyceride level is less than 150 milligrams per deciliter, a borderline high level is between 150 and 199 milligrams per deciliter, a high level is between 200 and 499 milligrams per deciliter and a very high level is above 500 milligrams per deciliter. Normal triglyceride levels may vary depending on which laboratory processes the blood sample. Your physician will determine if your triglyceride level is abnormal.

    Interferences

    • Certain factors and medications can interfere with the triglyceride level. Increased levels of triglycerides are caused by fatty meals, alcohol, pregnancy and certain drugs such as cholestyramine, estrogens, certain antipsychotics, beta blockers, protease inhibitors, retinoids and oral contraceptives. Decreased levels of triglycerides are caused by ascorbic acid, aparaginase, clofibrate, colestipol, fish oil, nicotinic acid, statins and fibrates.

    Abnormal Results

    • Increased levels of triglycerides may indicate glycogen storage disease, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, high-carbohydrate and low-protein diet, poorly controlled diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, hypertension, alcoholic cirrhosis and heart attack. A high triglyceride level may also signify a risk of coronary disease or peripheral vascular disease. A decreased level of triglycerides may indicate a low-fat diet, malabsorption syndrome, malnutrition and hyperthyroidism.

    Considerations

    • High triglycerides are lowered with the help of lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes that can decrease your triglyceride level include losing weight if you are overweight, decreasing calorie intake, avoiding sugar and foods made with white flour, limiting your intake of trans fats, avoiding alcohol and exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. You should limit your cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams a day and avoid foods high in cholesterol such as egg yolks and whole milk products. Instead of red meat, eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or mackerel.

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