<p><b>What are triglycerides? </b></p><p></p><p>Triglycerides are a type of fat. They are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from foods, especially butter, oils, and other fats you eat. Triglycerides also come from extra calories. These are the calories that you eat, but your body does not need right away. Your body changes these extra calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. When your body needs energy, it releases the triglycerides. Your VLDL cholesterol particles carry the triglycerides to your tissues.</p><p></p><p>There is a blood test that measures your triglycerides, along with your cholesterol. Triglyceride levels are measured in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). </p><p><b>The guidelines for triglyceride levels are: </b></p><p></p><p>Levels above 150mg/dl may raise your risk for heart related issues. A triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher is also a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. </p>