Triglycerides Blood Test: Normal Ranges, Causes & What Your Results Mean

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat (lipid) in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use straight away into triglycerides, which are stored in your fat cells. Between meals, hormones release triglycerides for energy. They play an essential role in energy metabolism but become problematic when levels remain persistently elevated.

A triglycerides blood test is a key component of a lipid profile and helps assess your cardiovascular risk. Elevated triglycerides are an independent risk factor for heart disease and are closely linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Why Is Triglycerides Tested?

Your doctor or health professional may request a triglycerides test to:

• Assess your cardiovascular disease risk as part of a lipid panel
• Screen for metabolic syndrome alongside HDL cholesterol and blood glucose
• Monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering treatments or lifestyle changes
• Investigate unexplained pancreatitis — very high triglycerides can trigger acute pancreatitis
• Evaluate risk factors in diabetes, obesity, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Provide a baseline measurement for individuals starting medications that may raise triglycerides

Normal Ranges

Triglyceride levels are measured from a fasting blood sample (typically 10–12 hours without food). Results are reported in mmol/L in the UK:

Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Non-fasting triglycerides above 2.0 mmol/L are generally considered elevated.

Causes of High Triglycerides

Elevated triglycerides (hypertriglyceridaemia) can result from:

• Diet: Excessive intake of refined carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fats
• Obesity: Particularly visceral (abdominal) fat is strongly associated with raised triglycerides
• Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance impairs triglyceride clearance from the blood
• Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions including high triglycerides, low HDL, and raised blood sugar
• Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid slows lipid metabolism
• Kidney disease: Nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney disease can elevate triglycerides
• Medications: Beta-blockers, corticosteroids, oestrogen therapy, some antipsychotics, and retinoids
• Genetic conditions: Familial hypertriglyceridaemia and familial combined hyperlipidaemia
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Even moderate drinking can significantly raise triglycerides

Causes of Low Triglycerides

Low triglycerides (below 0.5 mmol/L) are uncommon and generally not a concern, but may indicate:

• Malnutrition or malabsorption: Insufficient caloric intake or fat absorption disorders
• Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid accelerates lipid metabolism
• Very low-fat diet: Extremely restrictive dietary fat intake
• Abetalipoproteinaemia: A rare genetic condition affecting lipid transport

How to Improve Your Triglyceride Levels

Lifestyle modifications are the first-line approach for managing elevated triglycerides:

• Reduce refined carbohydrates and sugar: Swap white bread, pasta, and sugary drinks for whole grains and water
• Increase omega-3 fatty acids: Eat oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) at least twice a week
• Limit alcohol: Even small reductions in alcohol intake can significantly lower triglycerides
• Lose excess weight: Losing 5–10% of body weight can reduce triglycerides by 20–30%
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week
• Choose healthy fats: Replace saturated fats with monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocados, nuts)
• Manage blood sugar: If diabetic, good glycaemic control helps lower triglycerides
• Consider supplements: Omega-3 fish oil supplements (2–4g/day) can lower triglycerides by 15–30%

If lifestyle changes are insufficient, your GP may prescribe fibrates, statins, or prescription-strength omega-3 fatty acids.

When Should You Get Tested?

Consider testing your triglyceride levels if you:

• Are over 40 and haven't had a recent lipid panel
• Have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol
• Have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome
• Are overweight or obese, particularly with central adiposity
• Consume alcohol regularly or have a high-sugar diet
• Are taking medications known to affect lipid levels
• Have had an episode of acute pancreatitis

The NHS recommends adults over 40 have a cardiovascular risk assessment including lipid testing every five years.

Which Lola Health Tests Include Triglycerides?

Several Lola Health blood tests measure triglycerides as part of a comprehensive lipid profile:

• Peak Insights — our most comprehensive panel with full lipid profile and 70+ biomarkers
• Vital Check — includes a complete lipid panel for cardiovascular risk assessment
• Core Health — essential health screening including cholesterol and triglycerides