Triglycerides are a type of blood lipid. After eating, the body converts the “excess” energy into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. Between meals, the body secretes hormones that cause triglycerides to be released into the bloodstream to provide energy to the body. What is the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol? Triglycerides and cholesterol are different types of blood lipids: triglycerides are mainly used to provide energy to the body and store unconsumed calories, while cholesterol is mainly used to build cellular components, synthesize hormones, etc. Why are triglycerides important? High triglycerides may lead to hardening and narrowing of blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, which in turn increases the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction and other heart diseases. Extreme increases in triglycerides can also lead to acute pancreatitis. In addition, high triglycerides indicate the presence of other diseases, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. These patients often have excessive abdominal fat accumulation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar and other coexisting diseases, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke compared to normal individuals.