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What are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood that your body uses for energy. After eating, the body converts any extra calories it doesn’t immediately need into triglycerides, storing them in fat cells for later use. Between meals, hormones release these stored fats to keep your body fuelled. This process is completely normal, but when triglyceride levels remain consistently high, it can place extra strain on the cardiovascular system and contribute to long-term health problems.

 

Maintaining normal triglyceride levels is an important part of protecting your heart and metabolic health. Elevated triglyceride levels are often linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and, in some cases, pancreatitis. A number of factors can influence your triglycerides levels, including a diet high in refined carbohydrates or saturated fats, excessive alcohol intake, being overweight, or having certain health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems.

 

A triglycerides blood test offers a simple way to measure your results and track changes over time. Identifying triglycerides high early means you can take steps to improve your lifestyle or, where necessary, start treatment to lower your risk of complications. This kind of monitoring is especially important if you have other risk factors for heart disease, a family history of lipid disorders, or are already managing a related condition.

·     Early Detection of Cardiovascular Risk

Monitoring your triglyceride levels helps identify one of the key risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Detecting elevated triglyceride levels early gives you the opportunity to make lifestyle changes or start treatment before more serious complications develop.

 

·     
Clear Understanding of Metabolic Health

Abnormal triglycerides levels can be linked to conditions such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. A triglycerides blood test can highlight potential imbalances so you can address them promptly.

 

·     Tracking Lifestyle and Dietary Improvements

Whether you are working to reduce saturated fats, improve exercise habits, or lose weight, testing your triglycerides provides measurable proof of progress. Lower readings over time can confirm that your efforts are having a positive effect.

 

·     Identifying Hidden Health Issues

Sometimes, high triglycerides may be caused by underlying health problems such as thyroid disorders, liver disease, or kidney issues. Regular triglycerides lab tests can help uncover these conditions so they can be treated early.

 

·     Support for Medical Decision-Making

Doctors often use triglyceride blood test results alongside cholesterol tests to form a complete picture of your lipid profile. This helps in deciding whether medication, dietary changes, or other treatments are necessary.

 

·     
Baseline for Ongoing Monitoring

Establishing your normal triglyceride levels provides a baseline for future comparisons. If your triglycerideds level changes significantly, it can prompt timely investigations and interventions.

 

·     Peace of mind and Preventive Care

For individuals with a family history of heart disease, a simple triglycerides test offers reassurance. Knowing your triglycerides high risk or confirming healthy levels empowers you to take control of your long-term wellbeing.

Step-by-Step at Medilabs

1

Book & prep
Choose the triglycerides blood test online or by phone. We’ll confirm any fasting guidance (some clients are asked to fast briefly) and what to bring on the day for your triglycerides test.

2

Check in & clinical review
Arrive at our London clinic, check in, and complete a short health screen so our clinician understands any factors that could affect your triglyceride levels.

3

Sample collection
A trained phlebotomist draws a small venous sample for your triglyceride blood test, quick, clean, and typically under five minutes.

4

Laboratory analysis
Your sample goes to our accredited lab for a triglycerides lab test. We measure triglyceride concentration precisely and run quality checks before releasing results.

5

Results & next steps
You’ll receive a clear report, usually within 1–2 working days, showing whether your results fall within normal triglyceride levels or indicate elevated triglyceride levels. If your report flags triglycerides high, our clinician advises evidence based next steps.

Your Triglyceride Lab Test Results – Explained

When you complete a triglycerides blood test at Medilabs, your results are reported in mmol/L, the standard unit of measurement in the UK. These readings show whether your triglyceride levels are within a healthy range or if there are signs of elevated triglycerides levels. Understanding your results helps you take steps to protect your heart, circulation, and overall metabolic health.

 

·      Normal triglyceride levels (below 1.7 mmol/L)

If your results show normal triglyceride levels, it means your body is managing fats in the bloodstream effectively. This is typically associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other lipid-related health problems. Even with a normal result, regular monitoring of your triglycerides levels is recommended if you have other risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.

 

·      Borderline to elevated triglyceride levels (1.7 – 2.9 mmol/L)

Results in this range may indicate that your triglycerideds level is higher than ideal. Factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, excess alcohol intake, being overweight, or certain medical conditions can contribute to elevated triglyceride levels. While this may not cause immediate health problems, it is a sign that changes to your lifestyle could help lower your triglyceride levels and prevent progression to high tiglycerides.

 

·      High triglycerides (3.0 mmol/L and above)

A reading of 3.0 mmol/L or more is considered triglycerides high in the UK and significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis. Persistent high tiglycerides can damage blood vessels and cause inflammation in the pancreas, which may become life-threatening if not addressed. Very high results (above 5.6 mmol/L) require urgent medical attention, and treatment may include dietary changes, exercise, and in some cases, medication.

 

At Medilabs, your triglycerides lab test results are interpreted by experienced clinicians. If your triglycerides test shows elevated triglycerides levels or triglycerides high, we provide personalised advice, further testing where necessary, and a clear plan to help bring your triglycerides levels back into a healthy range.

Why Choose Medilabs?

1. Specialist Expertise

At Medilabs, your triglyceride blood test is carried out by experienced clinicians who understand the importance of accurate lipid measurements. We ensure every triglyceride reading is interpreted in context, giving you meaningful, personalised advice.

 

2. Advanced Laboratory Accuracy

We use accredited labs for every triglycerides test, ensuring precise results you can trust. Our rigorous quality checks mean your report reflects your true triglyceride levels, helping you make informed health decisions.

 

3. Fast Turnaround Times

With our streamlined process, most clients receive their triglycerides blood test results within 1–2 working days, so you can take action quickly if changes to your triglycerides levels are needed.

 

4. Comprehensive Health Insight

We don’t just measure numbers, your triglycerides lab test results are reviewed alongside other relevant health indicators to give you a complete picture of your cardiovascular risk.

 

5. Personalised Care and Follow-Up

If your results show elevated triglyceride levels or triglycerides high, we can arrange further testing, provide tailored lifestyle guidance, or refer you to a specialist for ongoing management.

Preparation

 ·      Follow fasting instructions – For the most accurate triglyceride levels, you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before your triglycerides test. This helps avoid temporary spikes from recent meals.

·      Avoid alcohol for 24 hours – Alcohol can temporarily raise triglycerideds level, so avoiding it the day before your triglycerides blood test can help give a more accurate reading.

·      Eat normally the day before – Don’t make sudden dietary changes just before your triglycerides lab test, as this could affect your results.

·      Take medications as advised – If you’re on regular medication, check with your doctor before the triglycerides lab test to see if any should be paused or timed differently.

·      Stay hydrated – Drinking water before your triglyceride blood test can make the blood draw quicker and easier.

Aftercare

·      Apply gentle pressure to the site – After your triglyceride blood test, pressing on the puncture site for a few minutes can help prevent bruising.

·      Return to normal eating – Unless otherwise instructed, you can resume your usual diet straight after your triglycerides test.

·      Avoid heavy lifting for a few hours – This reduces the risk of bruising or bleeding at the needle site after your triglycerides blood test.

·      Review your results carefully – Once your triglycerides high or normal result is available, take time to understand what it means for your health.

·      Plan follow-up if needed – If your results show elevated triglycerides levels, book a follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss next steps.

Frequently asked questions