What is Triglycerides (TGL) test?
Triglycerides are a type of fat, or lipid, found in the blood. The results of this test can help your doctor determine your risk of developing heart diseases. Elevated triglyceride levels are independently associated with the risk of heart diseases, particularly coronary heart diseases. High triglyceride levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis (which is the narrowing of arteries due to the buildup of fatty plaque). This directly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery diseases.
Why get the Triglycerides (TGL) test?
Apart from those who have a family history of heart diseases, healthy adults would also be advised to take the triglyceride test as a part of routine health checkups. The triglyceride level test will help determine the risk of developing atherosclerosis, heart diseases, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Your healthcare provider/doctor may order a lipid profile as part of a routine exam or to diagnose or monitor heart conditions. Several factors are associated with an increased triglyceride concentration like cigarette smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, drugs like beta-blockers, corticosteroids, and diseases like diabetes. Hence the results must be interpreted carefully. Do consult your doctor with your test results.
When to take this test?
FastingEvery 6 monthsDo not eat or drink anything except water at least 10 to 12 hours before the test.Triglycerides