MD A triglyceride level is a blood test that measures a type of fat in the blood.
Triglycerides are different from cholesterol , which is often measured at the same time.
A triglyceride level may be ordered to see how well the body processes fats. Triglyceride levels are an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease . This means that a person's risk for CHD is increased whenever triglyceride levels are high. To perform a triglyceride level, a blood sample is needed. Blood is usually taken from a vein on the forearm or hand.