Triglycerides are esters of the trihydric alcohol glycerol with 3 long-chain fatty acids. They are partly synthesized in the liver and partly ingested in food.
Measurements of triglyceride are used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, nephrosis, extrahepatic biliary obstruction, and other diseases involving lipid metabolism, or various endocrine disorders.
Clinically, triglyceride assays are used to help classify various genetic and metabolic lipoprotein disorders, and in the assessment of risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease
Normal < 1.70 mmol/L (150 mg/dL) Borderline high 1.70 – 2.25 mmol/L (150 – 199 mg/dL) High 2.26 – 5.64 mmol/L (200 – 499 mg/dL) Very high ≥ 5.65 mmol/L (500 mg/dL)