Diagnosis and Tests

Triglyceride Test: Normal Ranges, High Levels & Heart Risk

Published: 22 January 2026 - 12:00 | Update: 22 January 2026 - 12:29

# Blood Tests

Triglyceride Test: Normal Ranges, High Levels & Heart Risk

💡 What You Need to Know Right Away

Triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dL increase cardiovascular risk. In patients with diabetes, the highest triglyceride category increases cardiovascular disease risk by 30% compared to the lowest category.[Evidence: A]^[4]
Non-fasting tests are now acceptable for routine screening. A 2024 meta-analysis of 244,665 participants supports non-fasting lipid testing for most screenings.[Evidence: A]^[8]
Elevated triglycerides predict diabetes risk. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index predicts Type 2 diabetes with a relative risk of 3.53 compared to those with low TyG values.[Evidence: A]^[2]
Very high levels (≥500 mg/dL) risk acute pancreatitis. Hypertriglyceridemia accounts for approximately 9% of all acute pancreatitis cases.[Evidence: A]^[5]

You just received your blood test results and noticed your triglyceride number. Maybe it is higher than expected, or perhaps your doctor mentioned it warrants attention. Either way, understanding what this test measures and what your results mean can help you take control of your heart health.

A triglyceride test is one of the most important cardiovascular screening tools available. Unlike tests that simply detect disease, triglyceride measurements provide an early warning system. Elevated levels often appear years before heart disease symptoms develop, giving you time to make changes.

This guide explains everything you need to know about triglyceride testing. You will learn what normal ranges look like for your age, how to prepare for accurate results, what elevated numbers mean for your health, and when you should be concerned. All information is based on peer-reviewed research and current clinical guidelines.

❓ Quick Answers

What is a triglyceride test used for?

A triglyceride test measures the amount of triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood. It is typically part of a lipid panel used to assess cardiovascular disease risk. Results help doctors identify heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome risk before symptoms appear. The test also monitors treatment effectiveness in patients with high triglycerides.[Evidence: B]^[1]

What are normal triglyceride levels?

For adults age 20 and older, normal triglyceride levels are below 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L). Levels between 150-199 mg/dL are borderline high. Levels 200-499 mg/dL are high, and 500 mg/dL or above are very high. Children under 10 should have levels below 75 mg/dL, while teenagers (10-19 years) should be below 90 mg/dL.[Evidence: A]^[4]

Do you need to fast for a triglyceride test?

Non-fasting tests are now acceptable for routine cardiovascular screening. A 2024 meta-analysis of 244,665 participants supports non-fasting lipid testing for most situations.[Evidence: A]^[8] However, fasting (9-12 hours) may still be requested if your non-fasting result exceeds 200 mg/dL or if your doctor needs precise baseline measurements.

What is a dangerous level of triglycerides?

Triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL are considered very high and significantly increase acute pancreatitis risk. Hypertriglyceridemia accounts for approximately 9% of acute pancreatitis cases, with median admission levels of 2,622 mg/dL.[Evidence: A]^[5] Levels above 1,000 mg/dL require urgent medical attention and may need hospital-based treatment.

How do I prepare for a triglyceride test?

For non-fasting tests, no special preparation is needed. For fasting tests, avoid all food and beverages except water for 9-12 hours before the blood draw. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing. Take your regular medications with water unless your doctor advises otherwise. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily.

What causes high triglycerides?

High triglycerides result from dietary factors (excess calories, sugar, alcohol), medical conditions (Type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease), medications (beta blockers, diuretics, corticosteroids), and genetic factors. In patients with Type 2 diabetes, each 1 mmol/L increase in triglycerides raises cardiovascular disease risk by 6%.[Evidence: A]^[4]

What is the difference between cholesterol and triglycerides?

Cholesterol and triglycerides are both blood fats (lipids) but serve different functions. Cholesterol builds cell membranes and hormones. Triglycerides store unused calories as energy. Both are measured in a lipid panel. High triglycerides combined with low HDL cholesterol significantly increases cardiovascular risk, which is why doctors often evaluate them together using ratios.

How often should I get my triglycerides checked?

Healthy adults with normal results should be tested every 4-6 years. Those with diabetes, heart disease, or previous high results need annual testing. High-risk patients may require testing every 3-6 months until levels stabilize. Children with family history of high cholesterol should be screened between ages 9-11, then again at 17-21.

🔬 How Triglyceride Testing Works

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. When you eat, your body converts calories it does not need immediately into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. Between meals, hormones release triglycerides for energy.

Think of triglycerides as your body's savings account for energy. Just as a bank stores money for future use, your fat cells store triglycerides for times when you need extra fuel. Problems arise when you deposit more than you withdraw. The account becomes overfilled, and the excess starts causing problems throughout your cardiovascular system.

Why Testing Matters for Cardiovascular Health

Elevated triglycerides serve as an early warning signal for cardiovascular disease. A large cohort study following over 3.4 million patients found that triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dL are associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with a population attributable fraction of 4.1%.[Evidence: B]^[1]

In patients with Type 2 diabetes, the relationship is even stronger. A meta-analysis of 31 studies with 132,044 patients found that those in the highest triglyceride category had a 30% higher cardiovascular disease risk (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16-1.46) compared to those with the lowest levels.[Evidence: A]^[4]

The Triglyceride-Glucose Index

Beyond standalone triglyceride measurement, researchers have developed the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index. This marker combines fasting triglyceride and glucose levels into a single value that predicts metabolic disease risk.

Imagine your cardiovascular system as a highway network. Triglycerides are like traffic volume, while glucose represents road conditions. The TyG index captures both factors simultaneously, giving a clearer picture of overall "traffic flow" and identifying bottlenecks before they cause major problems.

A comprehensive meta-analysis found that elevated TyG index predicts Type 2 diabetes with a relative risk of 3.53 (95% CI 2.74-4.54).[Evidence: A]^[2] The TyG index also predicts chronic kidney disease risk (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.32-1.63).[Evidence: A]^[2]

For cardiac patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the TyG index shows 55% sensitivity and 60% specificity for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events, with an overall accuracy of 0.612.[Evidence: A]^[3]

The Connection to Lowering Risk

Evidence supports that lowering triglycerides reduces cardiovascular events. A meta-regression analysis of 25 statin trials involving 374,358 patients found that for every 1 mmol/L reduction in triglycerides, cardiovascular risk decreased by 16% (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.94, P=0.0026).[Evidence: A]^[9]

📊 Test Preparation and Normal Ranges

Normal Triglyceride Ranges by Age

Age Group	Normal	Borderline High	High	Very High
Adults (20+ years)	<150 mg/dL	150-199 mg/dL	200-499 mg/dL	≥500 mg/dL
Adolescents (10-19 years)	<90 mg/dL	90-129 mg/dL	130-199 mg/dL	≥200 mg/dL
Children (<10 years)	<75 mg/dL	75-99 mg/dL	100-149 mg/dL	≥150 mg/dL
Non-fasting (adults)	<175 mg/dL	175-199 mg/dL	200-499 mg/dL	≥500 mg/dL

Note: Non-fasting thresholds are 25 mg/dL higher for normal range due to postprandial variation.

How to Prepare for Your Test

Preparation requirements depend on whether your doctor orders a fasting or non-fasting test. Current guidelines support non-fasting testing for routine cardiovascular screening based on 2024 evidence from 244,665 participants.[Evidence: A]^[8]

For Non-Fasting Tests

No dietary restrictions required
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing
Take regular medications as prescribed
Stay hydrated with water

For Fasting Tests

Fast for 9-12 hours before the blood draw
Water is allowed and encouraged
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
Take medications with water unless advised otherwise
Schedule morning appointments when possible

What Happens During the Test

The triglyceride test requires a simple blood draw (venipuncture). A healthcare professional will:

Clean an area on your arm with antiseptic
Apply a tourniquet to make veins more visible
Insert a small needle to collect blood (3-5 minutes)
Apply pressure with gauze to stop bleeding
Place a bandage over the site

The blood draw takes 3-5 minutes. Laboratory analysis requires an additional 5-10 minutes for the triglyceride component. Results are typically available within 24 hours for routine tests or within 1 hour for urgent requests.

Factors That Can Affect Results

Triglyceride levels can vary 20-30% from day to day due to biological variation. Clinical decisions should be based on the average of 2-3 measurements. Factors that temporarily raise triglycerides include:

Recent meals high in fat or sugar
Alcohol consumption within 24 hours
Acute illness or infection
Certain medications (beta blockers, diuretics, corticosteroids, estrogen)
Pregnancy (especially third trimester)
Recent vigorous exercise

⚠️ Understanding Your Results and Health Risks

Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Elevated triglycerides are independently associated with cardiovascular disease. In the largest cohort study to date following over 3.4 million patients, those in primary prevention (no prior heart disease) with elevated triglycerides had a MACE incidence of 0.3% over 3.25 years, while those in secondary prevention (prior heart disease) had an incidence of 2.6%.[Evidence: B]^[1]

For individuals with Type 2 diabetes, the risk is magnified. Each 1 mmol/L (88.5 mg/dL) increase in triglycerides raises cardiovascular disease risk by 6% (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.09).[Evidence: A]^[4]

Risk Level Interpretation

Level	Range	Clinical Significance	Recommended Action
Normal	<150 mg/dL	Optimal cardiovascular protection	Maintain healthy lifestyle; retest in 4-6 years
Borderline High	150-199 mg/dL	Emerging risk; often signals insulin resistance	Lifestyle modifications; retest in 6-12 months
High	200-499 mg/dL	Increased CVD risk; evaluate secondary causes	Medical evaluation; consider medication
Very High	≥500 mg/dL	Pancreatitis risk; urgent treatment needed	Immediate medical intervention required^[7]

Pancreatitis Risk at Very High Levels

Evidence Gap: Treatment and Mortality

While lowering triglycerides is associated with reduced cardiovascular events (RR 0.84 per 1 mmol/L reduction)[Evidence: A]^[9], a critical evidence gap exists. No randomized controlled trial has yet demonstrated that pharmacologically lowering triglycerides in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridemia reduces cardiovascular mortality.[Evidence: D]^[7] Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider based on your complete cardiovascular risk profile.

🥗 What to Do After Your Test

If Your Results Are Normal (<150 mg/dL)

Congratulations! Your triglyceride levels are in the optimal range. To maintain healthy levels:

Continue routine screening: Retest every 4-6 years if no risk factors are present
Maintain physical activity: Regular exercise helps keep triglycerides low
Limit added sugars: Excess sugar converts to triglycerides in the liver
Moderate alcohol: Alcohol significantly raises triglyceride production

If Your Results Are Borderline or High (150-499 mg/dL)

Lifestyle modifications are the first-line treatment. The American College of Cardiology recommends lifestyle intervention before considering medications.[Evidence: D]^[6]

Dietary Changes

Reduce refined carbohydrates and added sugars
Increase omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Limit saturated fats from red meat and full-fat dairy
Choose whole grains over processed grains
Increase fiber intake from vegetables, legumes, and fruits

Lifestyle Modifications

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight (even 5-10% weight loss helps)
Exercise regularly (150 minutes of moderate activity per week)
Eliminate or significantly reduce alcohol consumption
Quit smoking if applicable

If Your Results Are Very High (≥500 mg/dL)

This level requires immediate medical attention. Your doctor may recommend:

Urgent dietary restriction of fats
Medication therapy (fibrates, omega-3 prescriptions, niacin)
Investigation for underlying causes (uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, medication effects)
Hospital admission if levels exceed 1,000 mg/dL with symptoms

Evidence shows that each 1 mmol/L (88.5 mg/dL) reduction in triglycerides is associated with a 16% reduction in cardiovascular risk.[Evidence: A]^[9]

When to Retest

Normal results: Every 4-6 years (annually if diabetes or heart disease present)
Borderline/High results: Every 3-6 months until stabilized
After lifestyle changes: Retest in 3 months to assess response
After starting medication: Retest in 6-8 weeks

⚖️ Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Triglyceride Tests

One of the biggest changes in lipid testing has been the shift toward non-fasting tests for routine cardiovascular screening. A 2024 meta-analysis of 8 studies with 244,665 participants provides evidence supporting this change.[Evidence: A]^[8]

Feature	Fasting Test	Non-Fasting Test
Preparation Required	9-12 hours fasting (water only)	No fasting required
Normal Threshold	<150 mg/dL	<175 mg/dL
Patient Convenience	Lower (requires morning scheduling)	Higher (any time of day)
Guideline Status (2024)	Acceptable but not required for screening	Recommended for routine screening^[8]
When Preferred	Non-fasting >200 mg/dL, baseline assessment, monitoring severe HTG	Initial screening, convenience, patient compliance
CVD Risk Prediction	Established correlation	May better reflect real-world risk^[8]

Clinical Implications

The TyG index, which requires fasting values for accurate calculation, maintains clinical utility for predicting MACE in cardiac patients (sensitivity 55%, specificity 60%, accuracy 0.612).[Evidence: A]^[3] However, for routine cardiovascular screening in the general population, non-fasting tests offer practical advantages without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.

Your doctor may still request a fasting test if:

Your non-fasting triglycerides exceed 200 mg/dL
You have known hypertriglyceridemia requiring monitoring
Accurate LDL-C calculation is needed (Friedewald equation)
You are being evaluated for metabolic syndrome using TyG index

What The Evidence Shows (And Doesn't Show)

What Research Suggests

Elevated triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL) are independently associated with increased major adverse cardiovascular events, with a population attributable fraction of 4.1% (based on cohort study, n=3,445,328).[Evidence: B]^[1]
Each 1 mmol/L (88.5 mg/dL) reduction in triglycerides is associated with 16% lower cardiovascular risk (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.94, based on meta-regression of 25 trials, n=374,358).[Evidence: A]^[9]
The TyG index predicts Type 2 diabetes with RR 3.53 (95% CI 2.74-4.54) and chronic kidney disease with RR 1.46 (95% CI 1.32-1.63).[Evidence: A]^[2]
Very high triglycerides (≥500 mg/dL) cause approximately 9% of acute pancreatitis cases, with median admission levels of 2,622 mg/dL (based on systematic review of 34 studies).[Evidence: A]^[5]
Non-fasting lipid testing is now supported for routine screening based on 2024 evidence from 244,665 participants.[Evidence: A]^[8]

What's NOT Yet Proven

Mortality reduction from treatment: No randomized controlled trial has demonstrated that pharmacologically lowering triglycerides in mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridemia reduces cardiovascular mortality.^[7]
Optimal treatment threshold: Evidence does not establish at exactly what triglyceride level medication should be initiated (guidelines vary from 150 to 500 mg/dL depending on risk factors).
Long-term lifestyle intervention outcomes: Most studies follow participants for 3-5 years; decades-long outcomes from sustained triglyceride lowering through lifestyle changes alone are not well documented.
Pediatric intervention thresholds: Treatment recommendations for children with elevated triglycerides are based largely on extrapolation from adult data.

Where Caution Is Needed

Day-to-day variability: Triglyceride levels fluctuate 20-30% naturally; clinical decisions should be based on average of 2-3 measurements, not single values.
TyG index limitations: While useful for metabolic risk prediction, TyG index has moderate accuracy (sensitivity 55%, specificity 60%) for predicting MACE after cardiac procedures.^[3]
Medication interactions: Many common medications (beta blockers, diuretics, corticosteroids, estrogen) can raise triglyceride levels, potentially leading to treatment of drug-induced elevation rather than underlying metabolic disease.
Non-fasting vs. fasting interpretation: Using fasting thresholds (<150 mg/dL) to interpret non-fasting results can lead to misclassification; non-fasting threshold is <175 mg/dL.

Should YOU Get This Test?

Best suited for: Adults age 20+ as part of cardiovascular risk screening every 4-6 years; patients with diabetes, obesity, family history of heart disease, or metabolic syndrome requiring more frequent monitoring; children ages 9-11 with family history of high cholesterol or premature heart disease.

Not typically necessary for: Healthy adults tested within past 4-6 years with normal results and no new risk factors; children under age 9 without family history of lipid disorders; individuals already on stable lipid therapy with well-controlled levels (though periodic monitoring remains important).

Realistic timeline: The blood draw takes 3-5 minutes. Results are typically available within 24 hours. Lifestyle modifications to lower triglycerides may show measurable improvement within 2-4 weeks, with full effect at 3 months.

When to consult a professional: If your triglycerides exceed 200 mg/dL; if you have diabetes, heart disease, or family history of lipid disorders; if you experience symptoms of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain) with known high triglycerides; or before starting any new medication or supplement intended to lower lipids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink water before a triglyceride test?

Yes, drinking water is allowed and encouraged before both fasting and non-fasting triglyceride tests. Water does not affect triglyceride levels and helps prevent dehydration, which can make blood draws more difficult. For fasting tests, only calorie-free beverages like plain water are permitted. Avoid coffee, tea, juice, and any beverages with calories or sweeteners during the fasting period. Staying well-hydrated actually makes the blood draw easier for both you and the phlebotomist.

How long does it take to get triglyceride test results?

Triglyceride test results are typically available within 24 hours for routine laboratory processing. Many laboratories offer same-day results if samples are processed in the morning. Point-of-care testing devices can provide results in less than 10 minutes, though these are less common in standard clinical settings. Urgent or STAT requests can yield results within 1-2 hours. Your healthcare provider will contact you if results require immediate attention, particularly if levels exceed 500 mg/dL.

Can high triglycerides be cured?

High triglycerides can often be significantly reduced and managed through lifestyle modifications. Dietary changes, weight loss, exercise, and limiting alcohol can lower levels by 20-50% in many cases. However, some individuals have genetic conditions like familial hypertriglyceridemia that require lifelong medication management. The key distinction is between 'cured' (permanently resolved) and 'controlled' (managed to safe levels). Most people with elevated triglycerides can achieve and maintain normal levels with ongoing attention to diet and lifestyle, sometimes with medication support.

What is a good triglyceride to HDL ratio?

The triglyceride-to-HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your triglyceride level by your HDL cholesterol level. An optimal ratio is below 2.0. Ratios above 3.0 indicate higher cardiovascular risk and are associated with insulin resistance. For example, if your triglycerides are 150 mg/dL and HDL is 50 mg/dL, your ratio is 3.0 (borderline). If triglycerides are 100 mg/dL and HDL is 60 mg/dL, your ratio is 1.67 (optimal). This ratio provides additional cardiovascular risk information beyond individual values.

Is 200 a high triglyceride level?

Yes, 200 mg/dL falls into the 'high' category according to clinical guidelines. Normal adult triglyceride levels are below 150 mg/dL. Levels between 150-199 mg/dL are borderline high, 200-499 mg/dL are high, and 500 mg/dL or above are very high. A level of 200 mg/dL warrants medical evaluation for underlying causes such as diet, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or medication effects. Most people with triglycerides at 200 mg/dL are recommended to begin lifestyle modifications and have follow-up testing in 3-6 months.

What are the symptoms of high triglycerides?

High triglycerides typically cause no symptoms until levels become extremely elevated (usually above 1,000 mg/dL). At very high levels, some people develop xanthomas (fatty deposits under the skin, often on elbows, knees, or buttocks) or lipemia retinalis (creamy appearance of retinal blood vessels visible on eye exam). Severe hypertriglyceridemia can cause acute pancreatitis, which presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Hypertriglyceridemia accounts for approximately 9% of acute pancreatitis cases.

How much does a triglyceride test cost?

A standalone triglyceride test typically costs $20-$50 without insurance. A complete lipid panel (which includes triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol) ranges from $50-$150. With insurance, most patients pay a copay of $0-$30 depending on their plan. Medicare Part B covers lipid panels every 5 years as preventive screening with no out-of-pocket cost for traditional Medicare beneficiaries. Many pharmacies and retail clinics offer competitive cash pricing for patients without insurance coverage.

Does insurance cover triglyceride testing?

Yes, most health insurance plans cover triglyceride testing, especially when ordered as part of cardiovascular screening or to monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Under the Affordable Care Act, preventive lipid screening is covered with no cost-sharing for adults. Medicare covers lipid panels every 5 years for preventive screening. More frequent testing is covered when medically necessary. Check with your insurance provider about specific coverage limits and whether fasting or non-fasting tests affect reimbursement.

What foods should I avoid before a triglyceride test?

For fasting tests, avoid all foods for 9-12 hours before your blood draw. For the 24 hours before any triglyceride test (fasting or non-fasting), avoid alcohol, as it significantly raises triglyceride levels. In the days leading up to your test, avoid unusually high-fat meals, excessive sugar or refined carbohydrates, and binge eating, as these can temporarily elevate results. If you accidentally ate before a fasting test, inform your healthcare provider rather than proceeding, as the results may not be accurate for clinical decision-making.

Can you have low triglycerides?

Yes, triglyceride levels below 50 mg/dL are considered low (hypotriglyceridemia). This is uncommon and may indicate malnutrition, malabsorption disorders, hyperthyroidism, or certain genetic conditions. Some medications, particularly those affecting fat absorption, can also lower triglycerides excessively. While low triglycerides are generally not harmful and may even be cardiovascular protective, very low levels warrant investigation for underlying causes. If your triglycerides are consistently below 50 mg/dL, your doctor may order additional tests to assess nutritional status and thyroid function.

Our Accuracy Commitment and Editorial Principles

At Biochron, we take health information seriously. Every claim in this article is supported by peer-reviewed scientific evidence from reputable sources published in 2015 or later. We use a rigorous evidence-grading system to help you understand the strength of research behind each statement:

[Evidence: A] = Systematic review or meta-analysis (strongest evidence)

[Evidence: B] = Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

[Evidence: C] = Cohort or case-control study

[Evidence: D] = Expert opinion or clinical guideline

Our editorial team follows strict guidelines: we never exaggerate health claims, we clearly distinguish between correlation and causation, we update content regularly as new research emerges, and we transparently note when evidence is limited or conflicting. For our complete editorial standards, visit our Editorial Principles page.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals before making changes to your health regimen, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions and before making any changes to their health routine, including starting new supplements.

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