Triglycerides are the main form of fat stored in the body and circulate in the blood.

Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, pancreatitis, and metabolic syndrome.

Clinical uses include:

Assessing cardiovascular risk.

Monitoring patients with hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, or liver disease.

Supporting evaluation of metabolic disorders and endocrine conditions.

Often performed as part of a lipid profile along with cholesterol fractions (HDL, LDL, VLDL).

Analyte: Triglycerides in serum (mg/dL).

Normal Range (varies by lab):

Normal: <150 mg/dL

Borderline high: 150–199 mg/dL

High: 200–499 mg/dL

Very high: ≥500 mg/dL

Abnormal Findings:

High triglycerides: Associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, pancreatitis risk.

Low triglycerides: Rare, may occur with malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, or certain genetic disorders.

Clinical Use:

Provides a direct marker of lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk.

Helps guide diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of lipid disorders.

Supports cardiology, endocrinology, and internal medicine evaluations.