Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in the blood. They are the most common type of fat and are a major source of energy.

When a person eats, his or her body uses the calories it needs for quick energy. It converts excess calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells to use later. In normal amounts, triglycerides are very important to good health. But having high triglyceride levels may increase a person's risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Very high triglycerides may lead to pancreatitis in certain people.