Triglycerides Biochemical Serum Test

Triglyceride test is done to monitor the risk of heart diseases, stroke or any other medical condition that involves the blood vessels [arteries] like peripheral arterial diseases. In known cases of high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, the test is done to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and medications. How often the test should be done will depend on age, sex and risk of heart diseases.

A triglyceride serum test is done to:

• Measure the level of triglycerides in your blood
• Evaluate your risk of a stroke, heart attack, heart disease and disease of the arteries or atherosclerosis
• Observe your heart conditions
• Help prescribe treatment to lower your risk of heart disease
• Estimate the possibility of heart disease due to a family history of the disease,

The triglyceride test measures the level of triglycerides which is a form of lipid (fat) in the blood

During triglycerides test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

During the test, the laboratory technician will tie an elastic band on your upper arm. Then they will ask you to form a fist with your hand, which helps with the build-up of blood in the veins. They will then disinfect the area before inserting a needle into a vein in your arm to extract blood. They will collect the blood into an attached vacutainer or collection tube and will then send it to the laboratory for analysis.

High triglyceride levels mainly lead to hardening or thickening of the blood vessels leading to risk of heart diseases, strokes and other medical conditions involving the blood vessels. 
Very high triglyceride levels may also lead to acute pancreatitis. 
High triglyceride levels may also be sign of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, hypothyroidism, certain genetic conditions or side-effects of medications.
There are age and gender specific guidelines to decide if the high triglyceride levels require treatment or not.  
Low triglyceride levels may occur due to low-fat diet, hyperthyroidism, malabsorption conditions or malnutrition.

To reduce triglyceride levels, your doctor will prescribe medications such as statins. They will also advise you to:

• Follow a proper diet
• Quit smoking
• Reduce weight
• Limit alcohol
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Avoid sugary and fatty food

The triglyceride test requires 12-14 hours of fasting. You can drink water before the test. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking your medications before the test.

Triglycerides are measured in milligrams per decilitre of blood. A value less than 150 mg/dl is normal.

Normal levels: Less than 150 mg/dl

Borderline high: 151 - 199 mg/dl

High: 200 - 499 mg/dl
Very high: 500 mg/dl and above

These are the ranges of test values for adults.

Peripheral vascular disease is a disorder where the blood vessels get blocked due to the hardening of the walls of the blood vessels. It affects blood circulation to the legs and causes pain and fatigue, especially when walking or exercising. If left untreated, it can damage your legs, fingers or toes. 

Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries. Excess cholesterol causes a build-up of a sticky substance called plaque in the walls of your arteries. This causes the thickening or hardening of arteries and an obstruction in the blood flow. The plaque can burst and cause a blood clot. If a blood clot occurs in the artery leading to your heart, it can cause a heart attack. Maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol is, therefore, advisable. 

People with the following symptoms and medical conditions should do the triglyceride test:

• Diabetes
• Excess weight
• Liver disease (Cirrhosis)
• Hyperlipidaemia (excess of fats in the body)
• Hypothyroidism (reduced levels of thyroid hormone in the body)
• Kidney disease
• Pancreatitis
• Atherosclerosis
• Those already undergoing treatment for high cholesterol

Doctors advise the triglyceride serum test for people with lifestyle issues such as:

• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy diet (oily or fried food)
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Family history of cholesterol
• Family history of heart attack

The triglyceride test is part of a package of tests called the lipid profile. Other tests in this package are:

Lipid profile:

This panel includes:

• Cholesterol
• LDL (Low-density lipoproteins)
• HDL (High-density lipoproteins)
• Triglycerides

Atherosclerosis profile:

The diagnostic tests in an atherosclerosis profile include:

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Heart imaging tests (Angiography, cardiac MRI, PET scan, CT scan)
• Coronary calcium scan
• Stress test
• Ankle-brachial index test (ABI)

TG

TRIG

Lipid Panel

Lipid Profile Test