Triglycerides are the primary type of fat stored in the body, consisting of three fatty acid molecules bonded to a glycerol molecule. These fats, which serve as a structural foundation for various lipids, originate from both dietary sources and internal production. To accurately assess triglyceride levels, which are affected by recent consumption of fats and alcohol, testing should be conducted after fasting for at least 12 hours. It's recommended to avoid alcohol before testing. High triglyceride levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, as they are transported by lipoproteins in the blood that also carry cholesterol, a known cause of artery hardening. Extremely high triglyceride levels (over 500 mg/dL) can trigger pancreatitis, thus requiring active treatment through low-fat diets and medication if necessary. The term "triglyceride" denotes its structure: "tri-" for the three fatty acids and "-glyceride" for the glycerol backbone in many fats.
