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Heart health

Triglycerides

Also known as: TG test, TRIG, Triacylglycerol test, Serum triglycerides, Lipid panel or fasting lipoprotein profile (when included as part of a larger panel)

A triglycerides test is a blood test that measures the amount of triglycerides — a type of fat — in your bloodstream. Your body uses triglycerides to store energy from the food you eat, but high or very high levels can raise your risk for heart disease and pancreatitis. Providers often use this test to get a clearer picture of your cardiovascular and metabolic health.

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Key takeaways

  • Sample required: Blood, usually taken after an overnight fast.

  • Tests for: Measures triglyceride levels (a type of fat in your blood) to help evaluate heart health and metabolic risks.

  • Healthy range: Normal is generally less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); borderline-high is 150–199 mg/dL; high is 200–499 mg/dL; very high is 500 mg/dL or higher.

What can a triglycerides test tell you?

A triglycerides test can help evaluate your risk for:

  • Heart disease. High triglycerides are linked to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.

  • Metabolic syndrome. This is a cluster of conditions — including high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels — that increase cardiovascular risk.

  • Pancreatitis. Very high triglyceride levels (typically above 500 mg/dL) can cause inflammation of the pancreas, which can be serious.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends screening most healthy adults for lipid disorders, including triglycerides, every four to six years. Many providers also check triglycerides more often if you have diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high cholesterol or heart problems.

What is being tested?

Triglycerides are a type of lipid (fat) made from calories your body doesn’t immediately use. After you eat, extra calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Between meals, hormones release triglycerides for your body to use as energy. 

While they’re an important energy source, too many triglycerides in the bloodstream can damage blood vessels and organs over time.

Where is the triglycerides test typically included?

A triglycerides test is almost always part of a lipid panel, which also measures high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good” cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol), and total cholesterol. Altogether, this panel offers a more complete picture of your heart health risk factors.

Triglycerides testing is included as part of lab testing through Hers, which goes beyond standard lab tests to help you understand what’s really going on in your body and either address or get ahead of problem areas with a tailored action plan.

Who should get a triglycerides test?

You may need a triglycerides test if:

  • You’re an adult who hasn’t been tested in the past four to six years

  • You have risk factors like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease

  • You’re taking cholesterol-lowering or diabetes medications — your provider may keep an eye on your triglyceride levels to help monitor your treatment response

Children and teens with obesity, diabetes, or other metabolic risk factors may also need regular screening.

How Labs by Hers works

  • 1

    Book your test

    Schedule a lab draw in the Hers app at one of more than 2,000 convenient locations.

  • 2

    Get your results

    Review your lab results to understand which areas of your health may need attention.

  • 3

    Spot early signals

    Identify potential health risks or system imbalances before they become more serious.

  • 4

    Get your action plan

    Receive expert guidance tailored to your health profile and test results.

  • 5

    Improve over time

    Track your progress through a mid-year panel and ongoing provider check-ins.

Not available in all 50 states. Eligibility and provider order required. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. A provider will reach out about critical results and plans include access to 24/7 provider messaging.

Images for illustrative purposes only.

Frequently asked questions

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What causes changes in triglycerides levels?

Triglyceride levels can rise or fall based on diet, metabolism, and underlying health conditions. High triglycerides are often linked to eating patterns rich in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, or alcohol, as well as obesity, metabolic syndrome, or poorly controlled diabetes. Levels may also increase with kidney or liver disease or the use of certain medications, including steroids, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

Low triglycerides are less common but can occur with malnutrition, very low-fat diets, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), chronic illness, or certain genetic disorders. Because triglyceride levels reflect both lifestyle and metabolic health, providers typically interpret them alongside cholesterol and other lipid measures to assess overall cardiovascular risk.

What is a normal range for triglycerides?

A normal range is generally less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); borderline-high is 150–199 mg/dL; high is 200–499 mg/dL; very high is 500 mg/dL or higher.

Can this test be done at home?

Yes, at-home lipid test kits can measure triglycerides from a finger prick. 

What are the screening recommendations for triglycerides?

Adults should regularly have their triglycerides checked as part of a lipid panel, though those with risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease may need to test more frequently than standard guidelines suggest.

Is fasting required?

Often, yes. Many providers and labs recommend fasting for eight to 12 hours before the test for accuracy, but some newer guidelines allow non-fasting lipid panels in certain situations.

How long do results take?

Results are usually available within one to two business days from most labs.

How often should I get tested?

Adults should have a lipid panel (including triglycerides) every four to six years or more frequently if they have certain risk factors.

Does insurance typically cover it?

Yes. Lipid testing is generally covered for cardiovascular disease screening. Insurance is not required with lab testing through Hers.

Can high triglycerides be dangerous even if my cholesterol is normal?

Yes. Even if cholesterol is normal, very high triglycerides can increase the risk of pancreatitis and may still affect heart and metabolic health.

What tests are related to this biomarker?

• Lipid panel (includes triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol)

• Fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c (to evaluate diabetes risk)

• Liver function tests

• Kidney function tests

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health concerns.

Related biomarkers

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High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a liver-made protein that rises with inflammation. A low level is associated with a lower heart disease risk.

Learn more about High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Lipoprotein (a)

Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), is a genetically inherited cholesterol particle similar to LDL. A low level is a good sign for heart health.

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Non-HDL Cholesterol

Non-HDL cholesterol includes all the "bad" types of cholesterol that can build up in your arteries. A healthy level is a good sign for your overall heart health.

Learn more about Non-HDL Cholesterol

HDL Cholesterol

HDL, or “good” cholesterol, acts like a cleanup crew to clear harmful fats from your blood. A healthy HDL level helps prevent buildup in your arteries.

Learn more about HDL Cholesterol

LDL Cholesterol

LDL is the “bad” cholesterol linked to plaque buildup in artery walls. A healthy level means fewer harmful cholesterol particles in your blood, which reduces overall risk for plaque buildup.

Learn more about LDL Cholesterol

Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is the total amount of all cholesterol types, including HDL, LDL, and other blood fats, and gives a general snapshot of your cholesterol status. When the number is in a good range, it shows a lower risk of developing heart disease.

Learn more about Total Cholesterol

Cholesterol/HDL Ratio

This ratio compares your total cholesterol to HDL, the "good" cholesterol.

Learn more about Cholesterol/HDL Ratio

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Reviewed by Felix Gussone, MD

Published 12/04/2025