Triglycerides are a type of fat or lipid found in your blood. When you consume more calories than your body needs, your liver converts these extra calories into triglycerides and stores them in your fat cells. Triglycerides can be released by hormones for energy between meals.
Having high levels of triglycerides, along with low levels of HDL cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. A healthy number for triglycerides is below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
To get an accurate reading of your triglyceride levels, it is recommended to fast for 8 to 12 hours before taking a lipid blood test. Additionally, some lifestyle changes that can help lower triglyceride levels include losing weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding sugary and refined foods.
It is important to keep your triglyceride levels within a healthy range to reduce your risk of heart disease and other health complications. If you have concerns about your triglyceride levels, you should talk to your healthcare provider.