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Triglycerides: What It Is and What Your Results Mean

Bottom line: Triglycerides are blood fats from calories your body stores. Below 150 mg/dL is normal. High levels increase heart disease and pancreatitis risk.

Ernestas K.
Ernestas K.
Clinical Research Writer

What Is Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. Your body converts calories it does not need right away into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells and released for energy between meals.

High triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease and can also lead to pancreatitis at very high levels. They often accompany other metabolic issues like high blood sugar, low HDL cholesterol, and excess belly fat, a combination known as metabolic syndrome.

Triglyceride levels respond strongly to dietary changes, particularly reducing sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol. They are one of the most modifiable blood markers.

Triglycerides Reference Ranges

ClassificationRange (mg/dL)
OptimalBelow 100
Normal100 - 149
Borderline High150 - 199
High200 - 499
Very High500+

What Affects Your Triglycerides Levels?

When to Get Tested

Triglycerides are measured as part of a standard lipid panel. Test every 4-6 years if levels are normal. If elevated, retest every 3-6 months to monitor response to lifestyle changes.

Look Up Your Triglycerides Result

Select your value below to see a detailed breakdown of what it means:

Optimal

Triglycerides 40 mg/dL Triglycerides 50 mg/dL Triglycerides 60 mg/dL Triglycerides 70 mg/dL Triglycerides 80 mg/dL Triglycerides 90 mg/dL

Normal

Triglycerides 100 mg/dL Triglycerides 110 mg/dL Triglycerides 120 mg/dL Triglycerides 130 mg/dL Triglycerides 140 mg/dL

Borderline High

Triglycerides 150 mg/dL Triglycerides 160 mg/dL Triglycerides 170 mg/dL Triglycerides 180 mg/dL Triglycerides 190 mg/dL

High

Triglycerides 200 mg/dL Triglycerides 220 mg/dL Triglycerides 240 mg/dL Triglycerides 260 mg/dL Triglycerides 280 mg/dL Triglycerides 300 mg/dL Triglycerides 320 mg/dL Triglycerides 340 mg/dL Triglycerides 360 mg/dL Triglycerides 380 mg/dL Triglycerides 400 mg/dL Triglycerides 420 mg/dL Triglycerides 440 mg/dL Triglycerides 460 mg/dL Triglycerides 480 mg/dL

Very High

Triglycerides 500 mg/dL Triglycerides 550 mg/dL Triglycerides 600 mg/dL Triglycerides 700 mg/dL Triglycerides 800 mg/dL Triglycerides 900 mg/dL Triglycerides 1000 mg/dL

Read the Full Cholesterol Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal triglyceride level?

Below 150 mg/dL is normal. Below 100 mg/dL is optimal. 150-199 mg/dL is borderline high. 200-499 mg/dL is high. 500 mg/dL or above is very high and increases pancreatitis risk.

What foods raise triglycerides the most?

Sugar and refined carbohydrates are the biggest dietary drivers of high triglycerides, even more than dietary fat. Alcohol, sugary drinks, white bread, pastries, and fruit juice all raise triglycerides significantly.

How fast can triglycerides improve?

Triglycerides respond quickly to dietary changes. Significant improvements can often be seen within 2-4 weeks of cutting sugar and refined carbs, especially combined with exercise.

Commonly Seen Together

Blood test results rarely exist in isolation. When one marker is out of range, these related values are often checked alongside it:

Fasting Glucose 110 mg/dL — Pre-Diabetes Range HbA1c 5.9% — Pre-Diabetes Range HDL Cholesterol 35 mg/dL — Low LDL Cholesterol 160 mg/dL — High Total Cholesterol 240 mg/dL — High
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health. Terms & Conditions
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