Triglycerides are the main form of fat carried in the blood. A fasting level under 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) is considered normal. 150–199 mg/dL (1.7–2.2 mmol/L) is borderline high and 200 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L) or more is high. Mild to moderate rises are very common and are usually linked to diet, alcohol, weight and blood sugar; very high levels, above about 1,000 mg/dL (11 mmol/L), can inflame the pancreas.
| Category | Reference range |
|---|---|
| Normal (fasting) | below 150 (below 1.7) mg/dL (mmol/L in brackets) |
| Borderline high | 150–199 (1.7–2.2) mg/dL (mmol/L in brackets) |
| High | 200–499 (2.3–5.6) mg/dL (mmol/L in brackets) |
| Very high | 500 or more (5.7 or more) mg/dL (mmol/L in brackets) |
US categories (NHLBI); UK labs often flag above 1.7 or 2.0 mmol/L. Non-fasting values are higher. mmol/L × 88.5 = mg/dL.
After a meal, fat from food enters the blood as triglycerides and is either used for energy or stored. The liver also makes triglycerides from excess sugars, starches and alcohol. A high level means more is being made or absorbed than cleared.
Raised triglycerides add to the risk of heart disease, mainly as part of a pattern with low HDL, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and extra weight around the waist (often called metabolic syndrome). Very high levels carry a different, more immediate risk: acute pancreatitis.
On a lipid report, triglycerides also affect other lines. Many labs calculate LDL from total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides; when triglycerides are very high (above about 400 mg/dL or 4.5 mmol/L), that calculation becomes unreliable and the LDL may be left blank or measured directly. Non-HDL cholesterol is then a better guide.
Yes, 200 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L) is the start of the "high" category. It is a frequent finding, and on its own it is rarely dangerous. Doctors look at it alongside LDL, HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, glucose or HbA1c and your overall cardiovascular risk.
If the sample was not fasting, a level around 200 may simply reflect your last meal. Most cholesterol tests no longer need fasting, but when triglycerides come back raised, a fasting repeat (10 to 12 hours, water only) gives a clearer picture.
This pairing is one of the most common lipid patterns and is closely linked to insulin resistance. It often appears years before blood sugar rises enough to be called prediabetes. If you have it, your doctor may check HbA1c and liver tests and look at waist size and blood pressure, because together they give a better picture of risk than any single number. Lifestyle changes usually improve both values at the same time.
Mildly raised triglycerides are discussed at a routine appointment, often with a fasting repeat. See your GP or doctor promptly if:
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No need to decode the numbers yourself: take a photo of the report and the app explains “High triglycerides” and the rest in plain words — what is normal and what deserves attention.
App StoreGoogle PlayWeb versionThat there is more fat circulating in the blood than usual, often linked to diet, alcohol, weight or blood sugar. It adds to heart risk and, at very high levels, can cause pancreatitis.
It is high but common and rarely dangerous on its own. Your doctor will read it with your cholesterol and overall risk, and may repeat it fasting.
Not always. Many labs accept non-fasting samples for cholesterol tests. If triglycerides are raised, a fasting repeat of 10 to 12 hours helps confirm the level.
Levels above about 1,000 mg/dL (11 mmol/L) carry a real risk of pancreatitis, and UK guidance asks for urgent review above 10 mmol/L.
They often respond within weeks to cutting alcohol and sugary foods and being more active, faster than LDL cholesterol does. Your doctor will advise on retesting.
This material is for general information only. It is not a medical opinion and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory and the method — rely on the range printed on your own report. Your doctor makes the final interpretation.
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