A Triglyceride test measures the level of triglycerides in the blood. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat (lipid) in the body. When you eat, the body converts calories it does not immediately need into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells and released later for energy between meals. Persistently high triglyceride levels are a risk factor for heart disease and pancreatitis.
This test is an important component of a lipid panel and is used to assess cardiovascular risk alongside cholesterol levels. Elevated triglycerides may result from obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, excessive alcohol intake, or a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars. It is commonly ordered during routine health checkups and for patients with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
