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Cardiovascular

Triglycerides Blood Test: What Does Your Fat Level Mean?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, used for energy storage. Elevated levels may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when combined with other lipid abnormalities.

Turnaround 24 hours, estimate Turnaround: up to 24 hours after your blood draw (estimate).

When is this value abnormal?

Non-fasting sample

Decision limits per result, in mmol/l
Result Value (mmol/l)
Normal < 2
Borderline 2–5
Elevated 5–10
Markedly elevated ≥ 10

Fasting sample

Decision limits per result, in mmol/l
Result Value (mmol/l)
Normal < 1,7
Borderline 1,7–10
Markedly elevated ≥ 10

These cut-off values apply to non-fasting blood (NHG guideline on cardiovascular risk management, CVRM). In the Netherlands triglycerides are not a treatment target: the NHG sets a target only for LDL cholesterol. According to the NHG, a non-fasting value above 5 mmol/l is repeated after fasting. The NVKC uses 11.3 mmol/l as the limit for pancreatitis risk, the NHG 10 mmol/l.

Source: Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap Reference population: Dutch general-practice population (NHG guideline CVRM, table 22)

Reference values can vary between laboratories. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

Triglycerides: what this test measures

This test measures the level of triglycerides in your blood after fasting. Levels reflect recent dietary intake, alcohol consumption, and metabolic function.

Triglycerides: why this value matters

Elevated triglycerides may contribute to atherosclerosis and are a component of metabolic syndrome. They are often elevated alongside insulin resistance. Consult your healthcare provider.

Triglycerides: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Results
Turnaround: up to 24 hours after your blood draw (estimate).
Which test
Full blood test · €199,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Triglycerides: how to prepare

  1. No alcohol beforehand

    Required

    Drink no alcohol in the 24 hours before the draw.

  2. Preferably fasting

    Recommended

    Coming fasting gives a slightly cleaner value, but it is not required. If it suits you, eat nothing from 22:00 the evening before and drink only water.

  • Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
  • Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

Triglycerides: when is testing worthwhile?

Triglycerides are part of a standard fasting lipid panel. Testing is recommended during routine cardiovascular screening.

Triglycerides: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Very low triglycerides are uncommon but may indicate malnutrition or malabsorption. Discuss very low levels with your healthcare provider.

High Levels

High triglycerides usually cause no symptoms unless extremely elevated, which can cause pancreatitis. Chronically elevated levels increase cardiovascular risk over time.

Triglycerides: what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low triglycerides are favourable.

If High

Elevated triglycerides increase cardiovascular risk. Limit sugar, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates.

Female

If Low

Low triglycerides are favourable.

If High

Elevated triglycerides increase cardiovascular risk. Limit sugar, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates.

Triglycerides: lifestyle and this value

Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates, reduce alcohol intake, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. These changes can significantly reduce triglyceride levels.

Triglycerides: frequently asked questions

What causes high triglycerides?

Common causes include excessive sugar and carbohydrate intake, alcohol, obesity, insulin resistance, and certain medications. Your healthcare provider can identify contributing factors.

Do I need to fast for triglyceride testing?

Yes, fasting for at least 8-12 hours is recommended for accurate triglyceride measurement, as levels rise significantly after meals.

Can I lower triglycerides without medication?

Many people can significantly reduce triglycerides through dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss. Consult your healthcare provider for a personalised approach.

Triglycerides: sources

  1. Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap. NHG-Standaard Cardiovasculair risicomanagement. Tabel 22: Overzicht van afkapwaarden bij niet-nuchter afgenomen bloed. Geraadpleegd 14 juli 2026. (retrieved 2026) richtlijnen.nhg.org

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Turnaround 48 hours, estimate

Full blood test

Twenty values from one draw: liver, kidneys, lipids, glucose, blood count, thyroid, iron and inflammation.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Glucose (Fasting) Hemoglobin Hematocrit Erythrocytes (RBC) Leukocytes (WBC) MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) Platelets (Thrombocytes) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ferritin CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
€199,-

Results without a doctor's assessment

You receive your values with the unit and reference range. A doctor's assessment is not part of this site. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

Triglycerides

€11,-