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Triglyceride Level Test - This test that measures the amount
of triglyceride in the blood.
How to prepare for the test: Fast for 8 to 12 hours before the
test. The health care provider may advise you to withhold drugs
that may affect the test (see special considerations).
How the test is performed for adult or child: Blood is drawn
from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow
or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic,
and a tourniquet (an elastic band) or blood pressure cuff is placed
around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow
through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to distend
(fill with blood). A needle is inserted into the vein, and the
blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the
procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once
the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture
site is covered to stop any bleeding.
How the test will feel: When the needle is inserted to draw blood,
some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick
or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Values:
Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline High: 150-199 mg/dL
High: 200-499 mg/dL
Very High: 500 mg/dL or above
High triglyceride levels may be associated with a higher risk
for heart disease and stroke. This is especially true because
people with high triglycerides often have other conditions, such
as diabetes and obesity, that increase the likelihood of developing
cardiovascular disease.
Greater-than-normal triglyceride levels may indicate: Cirrhosis,
Familial , Hypothyroidism, Low protein in diet and high carbohydrates,
Poorly controlled diabetes , Nephrotic syndrome, Pancreatitis,
hyperlipoproteinemia
Lower-than-normal levels may indicate: Malabsorption, Malnutrition,
Hyperthyroidism, Low fat diet
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Chylomicronemia syndrome, Familial combined hyperlipidemia, Familial
dysbetalipoproteinemia, Familial hypertriglyceridemia, Familial
lipoprotein lipase deficiency, Hyperlipidemia acquired, Noninsulin-dependent
diabetes, Stroke secondary to atherosclerosis, Stroke secondary
to carotid stenosis
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