MEDICAL PROCEDURES
Triglyceride Test
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are the major form of fat. Triglycerides come from the food we eat and from being produced by the body.
The word "triglyceride" reflects the fact that a triglyceride consists of three ("tri-") molecules of fatty acid combined with a molecule of the alcohol glycerol ("-glyceride") that serves as the backbone of many types of lipids (fats).
What do I need to do before the triglyceride test?
Triglyceride levels are influenced by recent fat and alcohol intake.
You should fast (from food) for at least 12 hours and abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours before being tested for triglycerides. You can drink water.
How is the test done?
The test is a simple blood test. The normal levels of triglyerides depend on the age and sex of the individual.
What does a high triglyceride level mean?
Mild to moderate triglyceride increases occur in a number of conditions including alcohol abuse, obstruction of the bile ducts, diabetes, etc.
High levels of triglycerides (greater than 200 mg/dl) are associated with a heightened risk of coronary heart disease.
Extremely high triglyceride levels (greater than 500mg/dl) can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
What should be done if the triglycerides are high?
Markedly high levels of triglycerides should be treated aggressively with low fat diets and, if needed, medications.
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
