Triglycerides · high result
What does a high Triglycerides mean?
Short answer
Triglycerides above 150 mg/dL are borderline high, 200–499 high, and 500 or above very high — a level that risks pancreatitis. Non-fasting samples, alcohol, refined carbohydrate and sugar, excess weight, uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease and medications (estrogens, steroids, some HIV drugs, beta-blockers) raise them. Very high levels also make calculated LDL unreliable.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- Triglycerides above 1,000 mg/dL, or above 500 with abdominal pain — prompt care (pancreatitis risk)
What is the normal range for Triglycerides?
- age 18+, fasting: 0.000 – 150 mg/dL
Often reflects high carbohydrate or alcohol intake, weight changes, or insulin resistance.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Triglycerides biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high Triglycerides?
- Non-fasting sample or alcohol within 24–48 hours
- Excess weight, high-sugar or refined-carbohydrate diet
- Insulin resistance, poorly controlled diabetes
- Hypothyroidism, kidney disease, pregnancy
- Medications: oral estrogens, glucocorticoids, thiazides, beta-blockers, retinoids, some antipsychotics and HIV medications
- Genetic disorders of triglyceride metabolism (usually >500 mg/dL)
What symptoms go with high Triglycerides?
- None at moderate levels
- Abdominal pain (pancreatitis) or fatty skin deposits at very high levels
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Repeat fasting, no alcohol for 72 hours
- A1c, fasting glucose, TSH
- ApoB or non-HDL cholesterol (better risk markers when triglycerides are high)
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), Glucose ($14.99).
How do you recheck Triglycerides?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Wellness Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $89.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| Heart Health Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $99.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| Pre-Diabetes Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $89.99 | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Lipid Panel | Test · 4 biomarkers | $24.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
How quickly can triglycerides change?
Fast — days to weeks with alcohol reduction, less sugar and refined carbohydrate, and weight loss. That's why a repeat fasting test after a few weeks of changes is informative.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.