Cholesterol Level (Cont.)

What Does a Triglyceride Level Measure?

Triglycerides are not actually cholesterol, but a form of fat carried through the bloodstream. Most of your body's fat is in the form of triglycerides stored in fat tissue. Only a small portion of your triglycerides is found in the bloodstream.
 
A high blood triglyceride level alone does not necessarily cause atherosclerosis. But some lipoproteins that are rich in triglycerides also contain cholesterol, which causes atherosclerosis in some people with high triglycerides. Also, high triglycerides are often accompanied by other factors (such as low HDL or diabetes) that raise the risk for heart disease. Therefore, high triglycerides may be a sign of a lipoprotein problem that contributes to heart disease.
 
Triglyceride Levels
Triglyceride Category
Less than 150 mg/dL
Normal
150-199 mg/dL
Borderline-high
200-499 mg/dL
High
500 mg/dL or above
Very High
 
If your triglyceride level is borderline high (150 to 199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more), you may require treatment.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD