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What Are Triglyceride Levels When Not Fasting?

Jun 3, 2011 | By Marcia Veach

Triglycerides are frequently tested as part of a lipid panel, which includes measurements for high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, and low-density lipoproteins, or LDL; this panel is more commonly known as cholesterol screening. Your doctor may order a lipid panel to determine your risk for heart disease or to monitor the results of treatments you are receiving including cholesterol-lowering drugs. For this test, your blood is almost always drawn following a 12-to-14 hour fast.

Function of Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a chemical lipid, or fat, found in your bloodstream and in the fat tissues in your body. They are important, because they store excess energy from the foods you eat in your fat tissues. Throughout the day, when you need more energy, the triglycerides provide it. If you consume too many calories, your body produces a lot more triglycerides to store up that extra energy in your fat tissues, which can lead to health problems.

Nonfasting Test Results

You are generally instructed to fast for 12 to 14 hours prior to having a lipid panel that tests for cholesterol levels and triglycerides. Some researchers think that triglyceride levels tested without having you fast may be better predictors of your risk for a certain type of heart attack or stroke, according to a November 2007 article in "Clinical Chemistry." This is because of the way the triglyceride fats package your excess calories after a meal. As one researcher noted, most of your day is spent in a nonfasting, rather than a fasting, state, so your triglyceride level may more accurately indicate health issues if measured about 3 to 4 hours after a meal when your blood triglyceride levels peak. Since there is no current agreement on what a healthy nonfasting triglyceride level might be, health care practitioners generally follow the recommendation of the American Heart Association, or AHA, for fasting levels. A healthy triglyceride level, according to the AHA, is less than 150 mg/dL.

High Triglyceride Risks

Whether fasting or nonfasting, the AHA guidelines state that a triglyceride level over 200 mg/dL is considered too high. High triglyceride and cholesterol levels in your blood are associated with increased risk for heart disease and stroke. The excess triglycerides in your bloodstream may cause atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which is a leading cause of coronary artery disease. Your high triglycerides may be due to diabetes, low thyroid hormone levels or kidney disease. Some medications, including beta blockers, diuretics and steroids, may raise triglyceride levels.

Guidelines to Reduce Triglyceride Levels

Triglycerides are consumed as fats or are manufactured from the carbohydrates you eat. So the best way to lower triglyceride levels is to eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Consume fewer carbohydrate calories and avoid saturated fats. Check the label on foods, and try to keep your overall cholesterol consumption to less than 300 mg per day. Eat fish, but choose salmon, mackerel or other types that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good cholesterol busters. Limit your alcohol use, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Exercise can help lower LDL, or "bad," cholesterol and triglycerides, according to MayoClinic.com. Talk to your health care provider or a registered dietitian about other foods that can help you keep both your cholesterol and triglycerides at healthy levels. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you with this.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Jun 3, 2011

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