What does a triglyceride test result of 72 mean?

A triglyceride level of 72 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 diseases also impact triglyceride levels.

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

• Weight. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can also increase triglycerides. 

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

• Medications: Some medications like corticosteroids, beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, antivirals, and estrogen, can raise your triglyceride level.

• 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 go up as you 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 reducing calorie intake.

• Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates and limit added sugars to <25g/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.

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