Triglycerides are the form in which most fat exists in food and in the body. Triglycerides are found in the blood. Along with cholesterol, they are one of the blood fats or lipids that doctors measure.

Triglycerides in blood come from the fats people eat. The body also makes them from other foods like stored starches or sugars. If the body does not use the calories in a meal, they are changed to triglycerides and stored in fat cells. The body can use triglycerides between meals as a source of energy. Because the blood levels are affected by what you have recently eaten, tests for triglycerides are done after an overnight fast.

A high level of triglycerides in the blood is a risk for coronary artery and pancreas disease. High levels can be caused by a person's diet, heredity or other diseases, such as diabetes.

An expert panel has defined normal fasting triglyceride levels as less than less than 200 milligrams per deciliter. High or very high levels are greater than 400 mg/dl.

The American Heart Association advice for diet is:
* If overweight, lower total calories to decrease body weight toward ideal.
* Lower the saturated fat and cholesterol content of your diet.
* Lower your alcohol consumption.

For additional information, contact your local American Heart Association office or call (800) 242-8721.

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