Cardiology
Triglycerides: Normal Range and Causes of High Levels
Reviewed by the JordanMedHub Medical Editorial Team · 9/12/2026
Quick Answer
Triglycerides are a different type of blood fat from cholesterol, but they're checked together — here's what a normal level looks like and what raises it.
In this article
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood, distinct from cholesterol, though they're measured as part of the same lipid panel. Excess calories the body doesn't use immediately are converted to triglycerides and stored in fat cells.
Reference Ranges
- Normal: below 150 mg/dL
- Borderline high: 150–199 mg/dL
- High: 200–499 mg/dL
- Very high: 500 mg/dL or above
Very high triglycerides also carry a risk of pancreatitis, separate from the cardiovascular risk associated with more moderate elevations.
What Raises Triglycerides
- Excess calorie intake, particularly from refined carbohydrates and sugar
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Being overweight or having obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Certain medications and underlying conditions (including thyroid and kidney disorders)
Testing Note
Unlike LDL and HDL, triglyceride levels are meaningfully affected by recent food intake, which is why fasting before a lipid panel is often recommended specifically for an accurate triglyceride reading.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general education only and does not diagnose or recommend treatment for any individual. High triglycerides should be evaluated by a doctor alongside your other lipid panel results and risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes high triglycerides?
Excess calorie intake (especially refined carbs and sugar), excess alcohol, obesity, physical inactivity, and poorly controlled diabetes are among the most common causes.
Should I fast before a triglyceride test?
Often yes — triglyceride levels are meaningfully affected by recent food intake, so fasting is commonly recommended for an accurate reading.
Written by JordanMedHub Medical Editorial Team
Updated 9/12/2026
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