Triglyceride Test
(Triglycerides)

Cholesterol Drugs Slideshow

Medical Author: Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editors: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• What are triglycerides?
• How are triglyceride levels measured?
• What are normal triglyceride levels, and what does high triglyceride levels mean?
• How can I lower my triglyceride levels??

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are chemical compounds digested by the body to provide it with the energy for metabolism. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat that we digest, and are the main ingredient in vegetable oils and animal fats.

The triglyceride molecule is a derivative of the chemical glycerol (tri=three molecules of fatty acid + glyceride=glycerol) that contains three fatty acids. To be absorbed, these parts are broken apart in the small intestine, and afterwards are reassembled with cholesterol to form chylomicrons. This is the source of energy for cells in the body. Fat cells and liver cells are used as storage sites and release chylomicrons when the body needs the energy.

Elevated triglyceride levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries with the buildup of fatty plaques that may lead to heart attack and stroke. Markedly elevated triglyceride levels may also cause fatty liver disease, pancreatitis.

Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood may be associated with other diseases including:

• poorly-controlled diabetes,
  
  
• kidney disease,
  
  
• some medications (for example, beta blockers, diuretics, birth control pills).

Alcohol consumption can raise triglyceride blood levels by causing the liver to produce more fatty acids. However, there are some beneficial aspects of moderate alcohol consumption, defined as one alcoholic beverage per day (a glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or an ounce of hard liquor), that may balance this triglyceride rise. Moderate consumption may mildly increase HDL (the good cholesterol) levels in the bloodstream and red wine, which contains antioxidants, may decrease the risk of heart disease. It is not recommended that people start to drink alcohol to obtain these effects.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Cholesterol - Learn about cholesterol and how to lower LDL cholesterol. Read in-depth cholesterol information on a low cholesterol diet, normal ratio (levels), treatment for high cholesterol and more. Source:MedicineNet Heart Attack - Overview on heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart attack symptoms including signs of a heart attack, includes causes, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. Produced by medical doctors. Source:MedicineNet Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Heart Attack Prevention Series - Improve your health with omega 3 fatty acid rich foods such as Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, halibut, sardines, albacore, trout, herring, walnut, flaxseed oil, and canola oil. Source:MedicineNet Read 9 more Triglyceride Test related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection