Triglycerides

About Test

The Triglycerides assay measures the concentration of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the bloodstream, in the blood. This test is crucial for assessing lipid metabolism and evaluating cardiovascular health. Triglycerides are stored in fat cells and released as energy when needed. Elevated triglyceride levels, known as hypertriglyceridemia, may indicate conditions such as obesity, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, or genetic disorders affecting lipid metabolism. Chronic hypertriglyceridemia can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis. Conversely, low triglyceride levels are less common but could be associated with malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications' side effects. Doctors often include triglyceride testing as part of lipid panels to assess overall cardiovascular risk and guide preventive measures such as lifestyle changes or medication therapy. This test provides valuable insights into a patient's lipid profile and helps tailor interventions to maintain optimal triglyceride levels in the body.