Lipids & Cardiovascular
Serum Triglycerides
Lipids & Cardiovascular
Blood fat linked to cardiovascular risk. Affected by sugar and alcohol intake.
VAT-exempt medical service
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the blood. They come from the foods you eat and serve as a major source of energy. However, high triglyceride levels are a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, pancreatitis, and cardiovascular disease. Notably, elevated triglycerides pose a greater risk for women than for men. Wellth provides triglyceride testing through accredited Swedish laboratories, with results interpreted in the context of your complete lipid profile.
Testing triglycerides helps you identify risk factors for serious lifestyle diseases before they progress. If you have a family or personal history of high triglycerides, heart disease, or diabetes, regular monitoring is essential. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise can all elevate triglyceride levels. Regular testing allows you to track changes as you make dietary and lifestyle modifications.
What a high value can mean
High triglycerides are associated with atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, poor fat metabolism, early-stage diabetes, hypothyroidism, fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. Causes include poor dietary habits, excess alcohol consumption, genetics, uncontrolled blood sugar in diabetics, and certain medications such as corticosteroids and beta-blockers. Extremely high levels can cause pancreatitis, a serious and painful condition requiring medical attention.
What a low value can mean
Lower triglyceride levels are generally associated with better health outcomes. However, very low levels can indicate liver or biliary dysfunction, thyroid hyperfunction, autoimmune processes, or adrenal hyperfunction. In rare cases, low triglycerides may be linked to malnutrition or genetic disorders.
Do not eat or drink anything except water for at least 10 hours (preferably 12) before the test. This test is best done in the early morning after an overnight fast. Bring valid identification to the lab.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
Fasting triglycerides below 1.7 mmol/L are generally considered normal. Levels between 1.7 and 2.3 mmol/L are borderline high, and above 2.3 mmol/L is considered high. Your results will include the specific reference range.
Yes, in many cases. Reducing sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, limiting alcohol, eating more omega-3 rich fish, increasing fibre, and regular exercise can significantly reduce triglyceride levels.
Triglycerides can increase 5 to 10 times after a meal compared to fasting levels. This is why fasting is recommended before testing to get a reliable baseline measurement.
Research suggests that high triglycerides carry a greater cardiovascular risk for women than for men. This makes regular monitoring especially important for women with risk factors.