A lipid profile test is a blood test that evaluates cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. These readings give the doctor a fast glimpse of what’s happening inside your bloodstream. The doctors perform this test to keep track of your cardiovascular risk and maintain records for future reference.
The outcome of lipid profile test analysis can be used to diagnose some genetic problems and estimate the potential risk of heart disease and pancreatitis. Three tests of your blood cholesterol and testing of your triglycerides are combined in the screening.
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels can cause heart disease, increasing your risk of uncertain death. This is also referred to as a primary intervention to evaluate for any potential dangers concerning your lifestyle and other habits.
Table of Contents
Tests that come under lipid profile test:
Total lipid profile: lipid is a fat commonly known as cholesterol. The total lipids determine the amount of cholesterol that is present in your blood, and if it exceeds a certain limit, how can it be treated or how much damage it can cause if left unnoticed.
Serum total cholesterol:
The proportion of elevated lipoprotein (HDL), reduced lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides in a human’s bloodstream determine serum cholesterol. Triglycerides are a form of fat that includes both cholesterol and fat.
HDL cholesterol:
It stands for serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. HDL is known for reducing the bad cholesterol from the blood vessels and helps in unclogging them. Hence, it is commonly known as good cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol:
It stands for Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol. It tends to get collected in the blood vessels and clog them. It increases the risk of heart disease. For this reason, it is known as bad cholesterol.
VLDL Cholesterol:
It stands for very low-density lipoprotein. It is mostly negligible in range since it is an instant kind of cholesterol that we get just after eating. A lipid profile test is taken empty stomach/fasting. Hence the presence of VLDL cholesterol is not present in the reports.
Triglycerides:
It is the fat that is stored in our body, and we get it from the food. The increased number of triglycerides can result in heart disease and inflamed food pipes. In some patients, it can also cause an increase in acidity.
Who needs a lipid profile test?
Your lipid profile is like your report card that comes after you give any exam. Similarly, the Lipid profile shows how you have been doing with your body and determines how your lifestyle and eating habits are affecting your health. Lipid profile is not age, gender, or any certain specific criteria, but people who fall in the given category are suggested to get their lipid profile test done periodically.
- People over the age of are suggested to get their lipid profile tested since they go through a transition from one phase to another. It is better to keep track of the functioning of your internal organs.
- Visible obesity is also a sign that you need to get tested for your lipid profile since it can track how obesity is affecting your internal system.
- Frequent smokers are suggested, too, because all the smoke that you inhale can result in clogging your vessels and choking it before you realize it.
- Hypertension patients should get their lipid profile test done because the blood pressure affects the heart directly and can cause unnoticeable harm.
- Diabetic patients already have a high level of sugar in their bloodstream, which makes it obvious for them to be more attentive to the health of their hearts.
Preparations:
Fasting lipid profile is suggested by the doctors since eating just before the test can fluctuate the actual level of cholesterol and fat present in the body. Fasting for 8 to 10 hours before the test helps the body in digesting the food and brings the level of sugar and cholesterol in place.
Only water is suggested during these fasting hours. No other caffeinated or sugary beverage is advisable before the test. You are also not allowed to drink or smoke before the test or during the fast. Medicines are exceptions. You can take medicine with your regular water and avoid any edible drinks.
Test Result:
A fasting lipid profile provides more accurate test results. Your test results include the range of LDL, HDL, Total Cholesterol, and Triglycerides. For your profile/Result to be normal, the presence of these should fall in the given range:
LDL: 70 to 130 mg/dL
HDL: 40 to 60 mg/dL
Total Cholesterol: <200 mg/dL
Triglycerides: 10 to 150mg/dL
This test result shows the functionality of the internal parts of your body. You can work and manage to bring everything to a level after knowing the Result for a healthy and better life.
