LipidsReported in mg/dLTriglycerides
The main form of fat circulating after a meal, and a storage fat made from extra calories. Fasting matters for this result.
What it measures
Triglycerides are three fatty acids on a glycerol backbone. After you eat, they rise as the gut ships fat into the blood. The liver also builds them from surplus carbohydrate. A fasting level under 150 mg/dL is the usual adult target. This is the lipid a missed fast will inflate, which is why the 12-hour fast is part of visit prep.
Why it is on the panel
High triglycerides add cardiovascular risk and, at very high levels, risk of pancreatitis. They also break the simple math used to calculate LDL. Catching a high result early is one of the practical wins of a lipid panel.
How to read it
Confirm you were fasting. Then read triglycerides with HDL and glucose. High triglycerides, low HDL, and a rising HbA1c often arrive together. Alcohol in the day or two before the draw can spike this number even if the rest of the panel looks ordinary.
When it runs higher
A recent meal, alcohol, untreated diabetes, excess calories, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and some medicines raise triglycerides. Adult categories usually call 150–199 borderline, 200–499 high, and 500 or higher very high. The very high range is the one linked with pancreatitis risk.
When it runs lower
A low triglyceride level is generally favorable. Hyperthyroidism, malnutrition, and some medicines can push it down. It is rarely the finding anyone treats.
Before the draw
Fast for 12 hours beforehand, with water allowed. A recent meal raises triglycerides and can shift the rest of the lipid panel.
Same group
Other Lipids tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.