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Triglycerides

Overview
What is Tg?
Triglycerides are the main constituents of body fat and provide energy to the body. The extra calories that you eat, get converted into triglycerides. Triglycerides test measures the levels of triglycerides in the blood.
High triglycerides levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Increased triglycerides levels may be a sign of Metabolic syndrome.
Why is Tg done?
As part of a routine check-up to screen for lipid disorders
To predict the chances of heart disease, especially in the presence of risk factors
To monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering treatment
What does Tg Measure?
Triglycerides test measures the levels of triglycerides in the blood.
Triglycerides are a type of body fat (lipid). Chemically, triglycerides consist of three ("tri-") molecules of fatty acid combined with a molecule of the alcohol glycerol ("-glyceride").
High levels of triglycerides in the blood have been linked to atherosclerosis which increases the risk of heart disease (Coronary Artery Disease), peripheral artery disease, stroke and kidney disease. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) builds up inside the arteries (blood vessels) resulting in narrowing of the lumen. This restricts the flow of blood to the organs and other parts of the body. Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis usually do not appear until severe or total blockage of the artery (blood vessel). Therefore, most people are not aware of atherosclerosis until they have a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Increased levels of triglycerides may also be seen in Metabolic syndrome (cluster of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke). Very high triglyceride levels can also cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Triglycerides test is usually done as a part of lipid profile which includes other tests like cholesterol, HDL (High-density lipoprotein), LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), VLDL (Very low-density lipoprotein) also.
Interpreting Tg results
Interpretations
Normal — Less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
Borderline high — 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L)
High — 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)
Very high — 500 mg/dL or above (5.7 mmol/L or above)
Note: Triglyceride levels remain temporarily elevated for a period after meals. Hence, fasting for 8-12 hrs is required before the test.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tg
Frequently Asked Questions about Triglycerides

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