What does a triglyceride test result of 50 mean?

A triglyceride level of 50 mg/dL is considered optimal. Having a healthy triglyceride level is associated with better heart health and a lower risk of heart disease.

Factors that impact triglyceride test results

A variety of factors can affect triglyceride levels including your diet, weight, physical activity level, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Some medications and certain diseases also impact triglyceride levels.

• Diet: Diets that are high in fat, added sugar, and refined carbohydrates can increase triglyceride levels.

• Weight. Having excess fat, particularly around the abdomen, can also increase triglycerides. 

• Physical Activity. Being active can help lower triglyceride levels.

• Medications: Certain medicines can raise your triglyceride level including corticosteroids, beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, antivirals, and estrogen.

• Some medical conditions: Diseases involving the thyroid, liver, or kidney, as well as poorly controlled type 2 diabetes can change triglyceride levels.

• Smoking: Smoking is associated with elevated triglycerides.

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking can raise triglyceride levels.

How to maintain optimal triglyceride levels

Keeping triglycerides in the optimal range is good for your overall health and can help lower your risk of developing heart disease in the future. 

Triglyceride levels can increase over time, particularly as cholesterol levels increase with age, so it’s best to put heart-healthy habits in place now. Here are some things you can do to help keep your levels in the optimal range:  

• Exercise for 30-60 minutes 5x/week.

• Lose excess weight by consuming fewer calories.

• Avoid refined carbohydrates and limit added sugars to <25g/day.

• Limit alcohol consumption to <1-2 drinks/day.

• Choose healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados, and salmon.

• Avoid trans fats and limit saturated fat to <10% of total calories.

• Quit smoking.