day · fixed · day 87 of 365

National Triglycerides Day

National Triglycerides Day aims to raise awareness about an important health issue that often goes unnoticed. Triglycerides are fats in your blood that your body uses for energy.

Body & Health Life & Living62

Marketing angleinferred

Drive preventive health testing and lifestyle product sales by positioning March as the month for heart-health checkups and dietary/fitness interventions.

Relevance 62medium intent

Get tested: Partner with labs/clinics to offer discounted triglyceride screening in March
Swap & Save: Promote healthy snack alternatives, meal-prep services, or nutrition apps that lower triglycerides
Move for Heart Health: Fitness brands and wearables can tie March activity challenges to cardiovascular wellness
Recipe & Education Hub: Food brands and health platforms share omega-3 recipes and heart-healthy meal guides

History

National Triglycerides Day began in 2018 to raise awareness about the dangers of high triglyceride levels. It was launched by health experts who wanted to draw attention to how these blood fats affect heart health.

Medical professionals and organizations felt that people needed better education about the risks linked to high triglycerides. Cardiovascular diseases and other serious health issues often arise when these fats go unchecked.

The holiday encourages regular testing and lifestyle changes to maintain healthy triglyceride levels. Many don’t realize how common elevated triglycerides are, making this day essential for spreading awareness.

It reminds people that simple habits like eating better and exercising can make a big difference. Experts hope the day will lead to early detection and prevention.

Since its start, National Triglycerides Day has reached a wider audience each year. It is celebrated by doctors, patients, and health advocates alike, promoting heart health across communities.

How to celebrate

Get Your Levels Checked

Kick-off National Triglycerides Day by making an appointment to get your triglycerides tested. It’s a simple blood test that gives important insight into your heart health. You can even encourage family and friends to do the same. After all, knowing your numbers is the first step toward better health.

Swap Sugar for Something Healthier

One way to celebrate is to swap out sugary treats for fresh fruits or vegetables. Excess sugar can spike triglyceride levels, so switching to healthier options is a great way to show your heart some love. Whether it’s a smoothie or a fresh salad, making this change is a fun, tasty way to take control of your diet.

Take a Walk or Ride

Make this day about movement! A short walk or bike ride can help lower triglyceride levels and boost your mood. Grab a buddy, and take a stroll through the park or ride through your neighborhood. It’s a simple way to stay active and keep your heart happy.

Share the Knowledge

Use social media to spread awareness about National Triglycerides Day. Post facts about triglycerides, healthy recipes, or tips for staying active. Not only will you be educating others, but you’ll also help promote healthier habits among your followers.

Cook a Heart-Healthy Meal

End the day by preparing a meal full of heart-healthy ingredients. Try fish rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, and whole grains. Cooking at home helps you control what goes into your meals, making it easier to keep triglycerides in check.

FAQ

What is the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol?

Triglycerides and cholesterol are both lipids, but they play different roles in the body. Triglycerides store unused calories and provide energy, while cholesterol is a waxy substance the body uses to build cells and make hormones. High levels of either can increase the risk of heart disease, but they are measured and managed somewhat differently on a blood lipid panel.

What triglyceride level is considered high on a blood test?

In most guidelines that use milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), fasting triglycerides are considered normal if they are under 150 mg/dL, borderline high at 150 to 199 mg/dL, high at 200 to 499 mg/dL, and very high at 500 mg/dL or above. In countries that use millimoles per liter (mmol/L), normal is generally below 1.7 mmol/L. Very high levels significantly raise the risk of pancreatitis as well as cardiovascular disease.

How are triglycerides measured, and do people need to fast before the test?

Triglycerides are measured with a blood test that is usually part of a standard lipid panel. Traditionally, people were asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours before testing because recent meals can temporarily raise triglyceride levels, but many clinics now accept nonfasting tests for routine screening. If results are high, a doctor may repeat the test in a fasting state to confirm the level and guide treatment decisions.

Can someone have normal cholesterol but high triglycerides?

Yes. Many people have LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in the recommended range but elevated triglycerides, a pattern often seen in conditions like metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. This combination can still increase cardiovascular risk, so clinicians look at the entire lipid profile, blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar rather than cholesterol numbers alone.

Which everyday habits most strongly affect triglyceride levels?

Diet, weight, physical activity, and alcohol intake have a strong impact on triglycerides. Regular consumption of sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and excess calories can raise levels, while losing even a modest amount of weight, exercising most days of the week, limiting alcohol, and emphasizing whole foods and healthy fats can bring them down. Some people also have genetic tendencies that keep triglycerides high despite lifestyle changes.

Are high triglycerides always related to diet and lifestyle?

Lifestyle plays a major role, but high triglycerides are not always caused by eating habits alone. They can also be linked to genetic disorders of lipid metabolism, uncontrolled diabetes, underactive thyroid, kidney disease, and certain medications such as some diuretics, beta blockers, and oral estrogens. Because the causes can be mixed, doctors usually check for underlying conditions when triglycerides stay high.

What treatments are available if lifestyle changes are not enough to lower triglycerides?

If triglycerides remain high after diet and exercise changes, or if they are very high to begin with, clinicians may prescribe medications. Common options include statins, fibrates, prescription-strength omega‑3 fatty acids, and sometimes niacin. The choice depends on overall cardiovascular risk, LDL cholesterol levels, and how high the triglycerides are, and treatment is usually combined with ongoing lifestyle management.