What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the levels of triglycerides in the body. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat and energy source in the body. If we consume more triglycerides than required it results in high levels of triglycerides in the body that is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To evaluate the risk of heart diseases due to increased triglyceride levels
- To monitor patients with increased risk of heart diseases
- To monitor the efficacy of treatment
- To help in developing a treatment plan and follow-up
- To help in estimating the levels of LDL in the blood
- To help in finding inflammation in the pancreas.
- How to prepare for this test?
Do not eat or drink anything except water for at least 8 hours before the test. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and drug history. Wear a short-sleeved or loose shirt to aid the collection of sample.
- What are the risk factors of heart disease?
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
- Old age
- Family history
- Smoking
- Obesity
- What are the symptoms of high triglyceride levels?
High triglyceride levels are usually asymptomatic but, some of the sign and symptoms of severely increased triglyceride levels are:
- Pain in the upper half of the stomach
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Xanthomas
- How to lower triglyceride levels?
Usually, high triglyceride levels are secondary to another disease, so treating the disease might decrease the triglyceride levels. If high triglyceride levels are not related to another disease they can be treated by:
- Lifestyle modification such as healthy diet, weight loss, and regular exercise
- Statins (lipid-lowering medicines)
- Which medicines might increase my triglyceride levels?
- Corticosteroids
- Beta-blockers
- Estrogen
- Protease inhibitors for HIV
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lightheadedness.
- Normal range: Less than 150mg/dL
- Borderline high range: 150 to 199 mg/dL
- High range: 200 to 499 mg/dL
- Very high range: 500 mg/dL and above
- Interpretation of test results:
Causes of increased triglyceride levels:
- Diabetes
- Cirrhosis
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Genetic factors
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Rich carbohydrate diet
- Alcohol abuse.
Causes of decreased triglyceride levels:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Malnutrition
- A low-fat diet.