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Evaluation of risk factors in individuals with elevated cholesterol values
Triglycerides are esters of the trihydric alcohol, glycerol, with 3 long-chain fatty acids. They are partly synthesized in the liver and partly derived from the diet.
Increased plasma triglyceride levels are indicative of a metabolic abnormality and, along with elevated cholesterol, are considered a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. Hyperlipidemia may be inherited or be associated with biliary obstruction, diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, renal failure, or metabolic disorders related to endocrinopathies. Increased triglycerides may also be medication-induced (eg, prednisone).
Since cholesterol and triglycerides can vary independently, measurement of both is more meaningful than the measurement of cholesterol only.
The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) have set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and Non HDL cholesterol) in adults ages 18 and up:
TRIGLYCERIDES
Normal: <150 mg/dL
Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL
High: 200-499 mg/dL
Very high: > or =500 mg/dL
The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol) in children ages 2 to 17:
TRIGLYCERIDES
2-9 years:
Acceptable: <75 mg/dL
Borderline high: 75-99 mg/dL
High: > or =100 mg/dL
10-17 years:
Acceptable: <90 mg/dL
Borderline high: 90-129 mg/dL
High: > or =130 mg/dL
For SI unit Reference Values, see International System of Units (SI) Conversion
In the presence of other coronary heart disease risk factors, both borderline-high (150-199 mg/dL) and high values (>200 mg/dL) require attention.
Triglyceride concentrations above 1,000 mg/dL can lead to abdominal pain and may be life-threatening due to chylomicron-induced pancreatitis.
See Lipids and Lipoproteins in Blood Plasma (Serum) in Special Instructions.
Result can be falsely decreased in patients with elevated levels of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI, a metabolite of acetaminophen), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and Metamizole.
1. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Fifth edition Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood. St. Louis, MO. Elsevier Saunders, 2012
2. Rifai N, Warnick GR: Laboratory Measurements of Lipids, Lipoproteins and Apolipoproteins. AACC Press, Washington, DC, 1994
3. Jacobson TA, Ito MK, Maki KC, et al: National Lipid Association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: Part 1-executive summary. J Clin Lipidol 2014;8(5):473-488
4. Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents: Pediatrics 2011;128;S213