Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood that plays a key role in energy metabolism. They sit in your lipid profile alongside cholesterol. High triglycerides may raise your risk of cardiovascular disease, but they can often be lowered fairly quickly.
Normal values (fasting)
Below 1.7 mmol/L: normal. 1.7 to 2.2: borderline. 2.2 to 5.6: high. Above 5.6: very high, with a risk of pancreatitis.
Causes of high triglycerides
Excess sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol, overweight, low activity, type 2 diabetes, an underactive thyroid and genetic predisposition can all play a role.
How to lower triglycerides
Limit sugar and fast carbohydrates (fastest effect), drink less alcohol, eat more omega-3, move regularly and lose excess weight. Much of this overlaps with lowering cholesterol without medication.
Triglycerides and your heart risk
Raised triglycerides are an independent risk factor. Together with low HDL and high LDL cholesterol they form an unfavourable profile your doctor reads as a whole.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast?
Yes, 8 to 12 hours of fasting gives a more reliable result. Water is fine.
How quickly do triglycerides drop?
They respond relatively quickly. A drop within 2 to 4 weeks is common with lifestyle changes.
Want your triglycerides measured alongside your cholesterol? A lipid profile covers both. Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
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