What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in foods. When you eat, your body's cells use triglycerides for energy. If you eat more kilojoules than you use, your body stores unused triglycerides in your fat cells.

Your triglyceride levels are usually measured as part of a lipid test, also known as a cholesterol blood test.

Read about other types of dietary fats.

How are triglycerides connected to cholesterol?

Cholesterol is another type of fat that is less common than triglycerides. It's found in some foods and is also produced naturally by your body.

Cholesterol has many uses in your body, including:

• producing hormones
• absorbing vitamin D
• helping you digest food

The 2 most common types of cholesterol are:

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — this is known as 'good' cholesterol. HDL helps remove cholesterol from your arteries by carrying it to your liver to be broken down.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — this is known as 'bad' cholesterol. LDL leaves cholesterol in your arteries which can prevent blood from flowing properly to your heart. LDL is the most common type of cholesterol.

Triglycerides are carried through your blood by HDL and LDL. If you have high levels of triglycerides as well as a high LDL level or a low HDL level, you have a higher chance of fat building up in your blood vessels. This increases your chance of having a heart attack or a stroke.

Why do I have high triglycerides?

You are more likely to have high levels of triglycerides if you:

• have a diet high in fat or sugar
• are living with obesity
• drink large amounts of alcohol
• take certain medicines, such as HIV medicines or beta blockers
• have a family history of high triglycerides

Some medical conditions can cause high levels of triglycerides, including:

• kidney failure
• poorly managed diabetes
• hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone)
• liver disease
• insulin resistance
• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

You may also be more likely to have high triglyceride levels during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester.

What can happen to me if I have high triglycerides?

If you have high levels of triglycerides, you may be at a higher risk of:

• heart disease
• stroke
• aortic stenosis (a condition affecting your aortic heart valve)
• heart attack
• acute pancreatitis

How do I measure my triglyceride levels?

Your doctor can measure your triglyceride levels with a blood test. This is usually part of a lipid test, which measures cholesterol and other fats in your blood.

If your doctor recommends a fasting lipid test, you will be instructed to fast (not eat) for 9 to 12 hours before your blood test. This is because after you eat, the amount of triglycerides in your blood is higher. You are allowed to drink water while you are fasting.

Australian guidelines recommend that your triglyceride levels should be below 2.0 mmol/L.

Talk to your doctor about your results and what to do if your triglyceride levels are high.

When should I get my triglyceride levels checked?

If you are aged 45 years or older, you should have your cholesterol and triglycerides checked every 5 years. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people should start regular triglyceride checks from the age of 35.

All Australians in these groups are eligible for a regular 20-minute heart health check with their doctor. This includes a check of your:

• blood pressure
• cholesterol
• blood sugar levels

Your doctor can use your results to work out your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years.

It's also important to check your triglyceride levels if you:

• are living with diabetes
• have a family history of high cholesterol

How can I lower my triglycerides?

Lifestyle changes

Here are some lifestyle changes that can help lower your triglyceride levels:

• Maintain a diet high in fruit, vegetables and healthy proteins.
• Eat fish that are high in omega-3 fats, such as herring, salmon and tuna.
• Cut back on foods and drinks that are high in sugar.
• If you have diabetes, make sure your blood sugar levels are well-controlled.
• Lower your alcohol intake.
• Stay physically active.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Medicines for high triglycerides

If you are unable to reduce your triglyceride levels with lifestyle changes alone, or your triglyceride levels are very high, your doctor may prescribe medicines such as:

• statins — these are medicines that help lower LDL cholesterol levels in your blood
• fibrates — these are medicines that help lower triglyceride levels in your blood

Your doctor may also recommend that you take a fish oil supplement.

Resources and support

The Heart Foundation page has numerous resources including:

• tips to help you make healthy food choices
• information on cholesterol levels in your blood
• a guide to managing your cholesterol levels

Learn more about testing your triglyceride levels on the Pathology Tests Explained page.

Visit Diabetes Australia to:

• search for an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
• read more about the connection between diabetes and heart health

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.