Triglyceride/HDL Ratio

A simple ratio comparing triglycerides to HDL cholesterol, adding context to heart and metabolic health.

Last reviewedJune 16, 2026

Calculated

sample type

Not applicable (calculated)

blood needed

~7 days

results in app

Same as its component tests

best timing

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On this page

Why test Reference ranges What you'll learn What affects it How testing works Sources FAQ

In short

The triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL) is a calculated value, not a separate blood test. It compares triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood, with HDL cholesterol, the protective cholesterol.

The formula is: triglycerides ÷ HDL cholesterol, in the same units.

Heart & Cholesterol

Reviewed against DGKL reference practice.

Why test this?

A high triglyceride level combined with low HDL is a hallmark of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. The TG/HDL ratio captures this pattern in one number and is often used as a simple, low-cost marker of insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk.

A higher ratio points toward insulin resistance, small dense LDL particles and greater cardiovascular risk. A lower ratio is more favourable.

What is a normal result?

Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.

Adult reference values as used by Aniva. Ranges are guidance and can vary by laboratory and method.

Group	Normal range
Adults	Below 0.87

Your Aniva report reads your result against these values together with your age, sex and the rest of your panel.

Ranges are guidance and vary by lab and assay, aligned with DGKL practice. Always read your result against your own lab's reference interval.

What insights will this test give you?

A simple marker linked to insulin resistance.
Context for cardiometabolic risk and small dense LDL.
A trend to follow as diet, exercise or treatment improve your lipids.

What can affect this result?

What can skew the result

Triglycerides rise sharply after eating and vary day to day, so a fasting sample gives the most stable result. The thresholds differ between ethnic groups, performing less well in some populations. Alcohol and lipid-lowering medication also affect both components.

Best interpreted with

Read with its components, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol, and alongside fasting glucose, HOMA-IR and the full lipid panel.

How is this tested?

Sample

Calculated

Blood needed

Not applicable (calculated)

Method

Calculated ratio

Best timing

Same as its component tests

Sources. The evidence behind this

McLaughlin T et al. Use of metabolic markers to identify insulin resistance. Ann Intern Med, 2003

StatPearls: Cholesterol Levels

Common questions

What does the triglyceride/HDL ratio show? It compares triglycerides to protective HDL. Higher results may point toward insulin resistance or a more atherogenic pattern.

Are there standard cutoffs? No. This measure is not guideline-endorsed; no standardized cutoffs. Interpret with your full lipid panel and overall risk.

Do I need to fast? Fasting is not required for most people. If triglycerides are high or variable, your clinician may repeat a fasting lipid panel.

What can affect my result? Recent sugary or fatty meals, alcohol, hard exercise, illness, pregnancy, dehydration, and some medicines can change triglycerides or HDL.

How often should I test? Many people check lipids yearly or as advised. Recheck sooner after lifestyle changes or if results shift unexpectedly.

How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days. Your report will show both triglycerides and HDL used to calculate the ratio.

Which Aniva panels include this marker?

Core

Your annual full-body baseline with more than 100 biomarkers, included in your Aniva membership.