About the test
Triglycerides are synthetized in the liver from fatty acids, proteins and glucose. They are also acquired by food and they are then stored in the adipose tissue. Their transport is achieved chylomicrons and by very low density lipoproteins. They are used as energy source.
Sample
Venous blood
Preparation
12 hour fasting prior to testing. Water is permitted.
Alcohol consumption is forbidden 24 hours prior to testing.
Procedure
Venipuncture
Increased values
- Familial hyperlipoproteinemia
- Obesity
- Gout
- Hepatic cirrhosis
- Alcohol abuse
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypertension
- Drugs (corticosteroids, estrogens, contraceptives)
Decreased values
- Low fat diet
- Malnutrition
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Drugs (heparin, ascorbic acid, asparaginase, clofibrate)
Additional information
- Hypertriglyceridemia may be of hereditary cause.
- Elevated triglycerides in blood combined with high cholesterol values comprise a risk factor for atherosclerosis.