triglycerides definition

Triglycerides are a type of fat that are the most common type of fat in the body and come from foods, especially butter, oils, and other fats. They also come from extra calories that the body does not need right away, which are then changed into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. High levels of triglycerides can raise the risk of heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, and other health conditions. Factors that can raise triglyceride levels include regularly eating more calories than you burn off, being overweight or obese, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol use, certain medicines, and some genetic conditions. Lifestyle changes such as controlling weight, regular physical activity, not smoking, and limiting sugar and refined foods can help lower triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels can be measured with a simple blood test, and the normal range for fasting triglyceride levels is below 1.7mmol/L