Triglycerides, Serum

Also Know as: Triglycerides Test

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Last Updated 1 December 2024

What is Triglycerides, Serum

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals.

  • High levels of triglycerides in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Triglycerides, Serum refers to the measurement of triglycerides in the blood serum.
  • The Serum Triglyceride test is part of a lipid profile that healthcare professionals use to assess a person's risk for heart disease.
  • Fasting for 9 to 12 hours before having your blood drawn for a triglyceride test is typically required because triglyceride levels can be affected by food.
  • Normal triglyceride levels are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Borderline high is 150 to 199 mg/dL. High is 200 to 499 mg/dL. Very high is 500 mg/dL or above.

A high triglyceride level combined with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol is associated with atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls that increases the risk for heart attack and stroke.

If you have high triglycerides, your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising regularly, avoiding sugary and refined foods, eating a diet rich in fatty fish, and limiting alcohol.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. They are measured through a serum test, which can help to identify potential health concerns. There are certain scenarios where this test is particularly required. In addition, there are certain groups of people who may need a Triglycerides, Serum test more frequently than others.


When is Triglycerides, Serum Required?

  • The Triglycerides, Serum test is often required as part of a routine health screening. This is particularly the case for adults over the age of 20, who should usually get a lipid profile test (which includes triglycerides) every four to six years.

  • If you have a family history of heart disease or high triglyceride levels, you may be required to take the test more frequently. This is because high triglyceride levels can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

  • Those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, may also need regular Triglycerides, Serum tests. These conditions can cause high triglyceride levels.

  • Triglycerides, Serum can also be required if you are taking certain medications. For example, beta blockers, oral contraceptives, steroids and diuretics can all increase triglyceride levels.


Who Requires Triglycerides, Serum?

  • Adults over the age of 20, as they are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, should regularly have their triglyceride levels tested.

  • Individuals with a family history of heart disease or high triglycerides also require regular tests.

  • People with medical conditions that can cause high triglyceride levels, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, require regular Triglycerides, Serum tests.

  • Those taking medications that can increase triglyceride levels, like beta blockers, oral contraceptives, steroids and diuretics, require regular testing as well.


What is Measured in Triglycerides, Serum?

  • The primary thing measured in a Triglycerides, Serum test is the level of triglycerides in your blood. This is important as high levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

  • The test can also measure other aspects of your lipid profile. This includes total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These measurements can give a more complete picture of your heart health.

  • In some cases, the test may also measure the amount of a protein called apolipoprotein B. This protein can carry different types of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

  • Finally, in some cases, the test may measure the level of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). This is a type of lipoprotein that can carry triglycerides in your blood.


What is the methodology of Triglycerides, Serum?

  • Triglycerides, Serum is a clinical laboratory test that measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood serum.
  • Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood that the body uses for energy. The body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides.
  • The test is done by drawing blood from a vein, typically from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with a germ-killing antiseptic, and an elastic band is put around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.
  • A needle is then inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. After the blood is drawn, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

How to prepare for Triglycerides, Serum?

  • Before taking a blood test for triglycerides, it is important to fast for at least 8 to 12 hours. This means not eating or drinking anything except water.
  • Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours before the test because it can affect triglyceride levels.
  • It's also important to inform your doctor of any medications you're taking, as some drugs can affect the level of triglycerides in your blood. Your doctor may ask you to stop certain medications before the test.
  • Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also help to lower triglyceride levels. However, do not start a new exercise program or change your diet without first talking to your doctor.

What happens during Triglycerides, Serum?

  • During the Triglycerides, Serum test, a healthcare provider will clean your skin with an antiseptic and place an elastic band around your upper arm to apply pressure and cause your veins to swell with blood.
  • They will then insert a needle into one of your veins and collect a sample of your blood in a tube. After the blood is collected, the needle is removed and a small bandage is placed over the puncture site.
  • The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. There, a healthcare professional will measure the level of triglycerides in your blood serum.
  • The results of the test will help your doctor determine if you have a high level of triglycerides, which can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. If your levels are high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medication to lower your triglyceride levels.

What is Triglycerides, Serum normal range?

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals.

  • The normal range for triglycerides is less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
  • A triglyceride level of 150 to 199 mg/dL is considered borderline high.
  • 200 to 499 mg/dL is high,
  • and 500 mg/dL or above is considered very high.

What are reasons for abnormal Triglycerides, Serum normal range?

Having a high level of triglycerides in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Conditions that can contribute to high triglycerides include:

  • Obesity
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Regular intake of alcohol
  • High-calorie diet
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Kidney disease
  • Certain inherited lipid disorders

How to maintain normal Triglycerides, Serum range?

There are several ways to maintain a healthy triglyceride level and reduce the risk of heart disease:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce the intake of saturated fats and trans fats
  • Include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet
  • Limit the intake of alcohol
  • Engage in regular physical activity
  • Control diabetes, if present
  • Quit smoking

Precautions and Aftercare tips post Triglycerides, Serum?

Following a blood test to measure your triglyceride level, certain precautions and aftercare tips can be followed:

  • Keep the bandage on for the recommended amount of time to prevent any bleeding or bruising.
  • Consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss the results and formulate a plan if necessary.
  • Continue to follow a heart-healthy diet.
  • Stay active and exercise regularly.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Monitor your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
  • Avoid smoking and manage stress effectively.

Why Book with Bajaj Finserv Health?

  • Precision: Bajaj Finserv Health-approved labs are equipped with the newest technologies to ensure the highest level of accuracy in results.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Our individual diagnostic tests and providers are extensive and won't overwhelm your budget.
  • Home collection of samples: We offer the convenience of collecting your samples from your home at a time that suits you.
  • Nationwide availability: No matter where you are located in the country, our medical test services are accessible.
  • Flexible payment options: Choose from a range of payment options, including cash and digital payment methods.

Note:

This is not medical advice, and this content should only be considered for informational purposes only. Consult with your healthcare provider for individual medical guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What infections/illnesses does Triglyceride level test detect?

Triglyceride level test is done as a part of the lipid profile interpreted along with other tests. It detects: 1. Hyperlipidaemia 2. Increased risk of heart disease or stroke. 3. High risk of peripheral vascular disease. 4. Increased risk of developing liver and kidney diseases.

What is the purpose of Triglyceride Test?

1. To understand risk of heart attack, stroke, and embolism 2. To titrate dosage of statin therapy. 3, As a screening test if you are a smoker, or are obese with a sedentary lifestyle 4, To detect problems with TG levels if you have a family history of heart disease or hyperlipidaemia.

What happens if triglycerides are high?

If your triglycerides are high, you are at a increased risk of developing plaques or small clots in the arteries of your heart, brain, liver, kidney, pancreas and their function is greatly affected. High triglyceride levels lead to blockage of very small vessels of the hands and feet and increases risk of peripheral vascular disease

What foods decrease triglyceride levels?

Replacing bad fat foods by good fat foods reduces the triglyceride levels. Avocados, walnuts, barley, green leafy vegetables, blueberries, oats, fish oil, coconut oil, garlic, salmon all reduce the bad-fat food.

What are triglyceride normal levels?

Children below the age of 10: <75 mg/dl Children between 10-18 years of age: <90mg/dl Adults: <150 mg/dl

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