Summary

Triacylglycerides, also known as triglycerides, are a type of fat found in your blood. Your body uses them for energy. If you eat more calories than you need, your body turns the extra calories into triglycerides and stores them in your fat cells to use later. High levels of triacylglycerides suggest an increased risk of developing heart disease. Lower triacylglyceride levels are typically healthier and indicate a lesser risk of heart disease.

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Overview

High triacylglyceride levels are often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, peripheral artery disease, or heart attack. This could be due to conditions like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or obesity, which are known to affect triacylglyceride levels negatively. Extremely high levels of triglycerides can lead to acute pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time.

Certain lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in carbohydrates and fats, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use, can also elevate these levels. Regular monitoring and appropriate management of triacylglyceride levels are critical in preventing heart disease.

Low triacylglyceride levels are generally healthier and suggest a lower risk of heart disease. It indicates that the body is efficiently using these fats for energy, not storing excessive amounts.^[1]

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What should you know about this biomarker?

There are many resources and ways that describe the optimal levels. However, each laboratory uses different machines and protocols, so the results might differ in the reference ranges or used units of measurement. 

In Macromo blood tests, we use mmol/l (millimole per liter) units, but you can also find levels given in mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter).

The normal range of triacylglycerides is usually about 0.45 to 1.7 mmol/l. Levels above 2 mmol/l are elevated, and values around and above 5 mmol/l are considered very high. Levels outside the reference range increase the risk of heart disease^[2]. 

There are three possible test results: low, average, and high levels.

• Your triacylglyceride levels are below the reference range, which can be a positive sign for cardiovascular health. 
• Your levels of triacylglycerides are within normal range. This indicates a balanced level of fats in the blood, which is associated with a general risk of cardiovascular disease. 
• Your triacylglyceride levels are above the normal range, which indicates an excess of fats in your blood and a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

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Genetics

Genetics can significantly impact triglyceride levels. Certain genetic mutations can affect the way the body metabolizes fats, leading to higher levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream.

One of the conditions closely linked with high triglyceride levels is familial hypertriglyceridemia. This genetic disorder hinders the body's ability to break down triglycerides efficiently, leading to their accumulation in the blood.^[3] 

Familial combined hyperlipidemia is another hereditary condition which causes an elevation in both triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), colloquially known as "bad" cholesterol. This disorder escalates the risk of premature heart disease.^[4]

In rare instances, genetics may lead to disorders like lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency or apolipoprotein C-II deficiency. In LPL deficiency, the body doesn't produce sufficient amounts of an enzyme crucial for breaking down triglycerides, resulting in markedly high triglyceride levels.^[5]

Aside from these specific genetic conditions, minor genetic variations known as polymorphisms can also influence triglyceride levels. These variations can contribute to slightly higher or lower triglyceride levels among different individuals. Therefore, if a close family member has high triglyceride levels, there may be a genetic predisposition, and other family members might be similarly affected.^[6]

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Recommendations

If the levels of triglycerides are higher than the optimum, it is wise to consider implementing the following recommendations.:

• Choose a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats.
• Keep consumption of sugar, salt, and harmful fats to a minimum, emphasizing fiber-rich foods that are a good source of essential vitamins and antioxidants.
• Engage in regular physical activity as it aids in weight management, boosts metabolic functions, and decreases inflammation in the body.
• Stay committed to taking any prescribed medications, and schedule routine health screenings.
• Actively manage stress levels, recognizing that unmanaged stress can adversely affect your body's immune system.
• If you are a smoker, commit to quitting. Aside from improving general health, this step can also increase the levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, instrumental in removing LDL ("bad") cholesterol from your arteries.

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The information and tests provided on our website are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making health decisions. Our tests do not diagnose or treat diseases. Individual results may vary and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.