Trigly - how to interpret and what does "triglycerides" mean?

is an abbreviation for the word , which are a type of fat (lipid) found in the blood. Triglycerides are a key source of energy for the body and are stored in adipose tissue. When you consume more calories than your body needs, the excess energy is converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Later, when your body requires more energy, triglycerides are released into the bloodstream and used for energy. Triglycerides are important for health, but elevated triglyceride levels can be harmful. High triglyceride levels in the blood can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, especially if accompanied by other risk factors like high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol.

Reference values for triglycerides are generally as follows:


  • Below 1.7 mmol/l: normal level

  • 1.7–2.2 mmol/l: mildly elevated

  • 2.3–5.6 mmol/l: high

  • Above 5.6 mmol/l: very high

Elevated triglycerides can be caused by several factors, such as an unhealthy diet, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, lack of exercise, and certain medications. Genetics may also influence triglyceride levels.

Lowering triglycerides is important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.This can be achieved through lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, particularly by reducing the intake of sugars and saturated fats, increasing physical activity, and reducing alcohol consumption. In some cases, a doctor may recommend medication to lower triglycerides.

In summary, triglycerides are fats in the blood that are important as an energy source for the body, but elevated triglyceride levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is important to monitor triglyceride levels and make necessary lifestyle changes to manage them if needed.

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