Triglycerides

What are triglycerides? They are a type of fats that are essential for a good health especially when they are in normal levels. They are present in some foods we eat and are also made by the body. They account for 95% of the body’s tissues. They are chains of high energy fatty acids that supply a lot of energy to our cells so they can work at an optimal level. Like cholesterol, they are transported throughout the body by carriers called lipoproteins.

Abnormal levels are associated with cirrhosis which is a disease of the liver, hypothyroidism, diabetes, heart disease,obesity, and pancreatitis.

According to the U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, these are the most current classifications. They are in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL):

Less than 150 mg/dL Normal
150 to 199 mg/dL Borderline high
200 to 499 mg/dL High
500 mg/dL and higher Very high

Return from triglycerides to what is cholesterol page

Return to the home page