Triglyceride Test
(Triglycerides)
Medical Author: Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editors: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are chemical compounds digested by the body to provide it with
the energy for metabolism.
Triglycerides are the most common form of fat that we digest,
and are the main ingredient in vegetable oils and animal fats.
The triglyceride molecule is a derivative of the chemical glycerol (tri=three
molecules of fatty acid +
glyceride=glycerol) that contains three fatty acids.
To be absorbed, these parts are broken apart in the small intestine, and afterwards are reassembled with cholesterol to form
chylomicrons. This is the
source of energy for cells in the body. Fat cells and liver cells are used as
storage sites and release chylomicrons when the body needs the energy.
Elevated triglyceride levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, the
narrowing of arteries with the buildup of fatty plaques that may lead to
heart
attack and stroke. Markedly elevated triglyceride levels may also cause
fatty
liver disease, pancreatitis.
Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood may be associated with other
diseases including:
Alcohol consumption can raise triglyceride blood levels by
causing the liver to produce more fatty acids. However, there are some
beneficial aspects of moderate alcohol consumption, defined as one alcoholic
beverage per day (a glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or an ounce of hard liquor), that may balance this
triglyceride rise. Moderate consumption may mildly increase HDL
(the good cholesterol) levels in the bloodstream and red wine, which contains
antioxidants, may decrease the risk of heart disease. It is not recommended that
people start to drink alcohol to obtain these effects.
Next: How are triglyceride levels measured? »
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