Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1257 page)

TABLE 16–80. National Cholesterol Education Program Guidelines for Triglycerides*

*These values are based on fasting plasma triglyceride levels.

   Use

   Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and arteriosclerosis.

   Interpretation

   Concentrations associated with certain disorders:

   Less than 150 mg/dL not associated with any disease state

   250–500 mg/dL associated with peripheral vascular disease; may be a marker for patients with genetic forms of hyperlipoproteinemias who need specific therapy

   Greater than 500 mg/dL associated with high risk of pancreatitis

   More than 1,000 mg/dL associated with hyperlipidemia, especially type I or type V; substantial risk of pancreatitis

   Greater than 5,000 mg/dL associated with eruptive xanthoma, corneal arcus, lipemia retinalis, enlarged liver and spleen

Increased In

   Hyperlipoproteinemia types I, IIb, III, IV, and V

   Glycogen storage disease (von Gierke disease)

   Diabetes