Lipid Profile Test

The lipid profile test is performed to determine the level of cholesterol in the blood. The different types of cholesterol (good and bad) and other fats in the body are together known as lipids. A lipid profile test measures the levels of lipids, which are crucial for bodily functions up to a certain level, above which, they can lead to several health conditions like blood clots, blockage in the arteries, heart problems, and much more. The lipid profile indicates the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), total cholesterol, etc.

The results of a lipid profile blood test are said to be high when they show high levels of low-density lipoprotein or triglycerides or both, with relatively lower levels of high-density lipoprotein. A high lipid profile can increase a person’s risk for developing cardiovascular issues and requires management with appropriate lifestyle changes and medication (if required) or supplements.

Standard practice requires overnight fasting before a lipid profile test as the food ingested by a person can affect the levels of cholesterol molecules in the blood. So, fasting before the lipid profile test is a very common precaution people are asked to take before sample collection. However, in many cases, the doctor may want to specifically check the effect of different types of food on the cholesterol levels, in which case a person will not be required to fast before the test. It is best to consult a doctor regarding any queries one may have about fasting before the lipid profile test.

A lipid profile, also known as a lipid panel, is a series of blood tests that are performed to determine the levels of lipids, like bad and good cholesterols and triglycerides, in the blood. The lipid profile test details the levels of these fat molecules in the body, which also helps determine the risk a person faces of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, pancreatitis, or other ailments. A lipid profile test is commonly suggested in conjunction with a physical examination and other tests such as a basic metabolic panel (BMP) and complete blood count (CBC), to provide the consulting doctor with a comprehensive look at the overall health and functioning of the body.

High serum lipids refer to a high lipid profile (serum) or high levels of LDL and/or triglycerides in the blood. There are several lifestyle habits that can cause a high lipid profile (serum). These include:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Having a diet with too many saturated or trans fats
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress
• Genetics
• Obesity

Certain conditions, like hypothyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease or liver diseases, etc., and certain medications, like steroids, blood pressure medicines, birth control pills, etc., can also lead to a spike in the lipid profile test results.

When a person has a lipid profile (serum) test performed, the test measures the cholesterol levels (HDL, LDL, VLDL, etc.) and the triglyceride levels in the blood to determine their risk of developing cardiovascular issues. If someone has high serum lipid profile levels, it means that their blood has high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), triglycerides, or both. High levels of these fat molecules may indicate an increased risk of artery blockage, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

A lipid profile, also known as a lipid test, cholesterol panel, coronary risk panel, or lipid panel, determines the levels of good and bad cholesterol as well as triglycerides in the blood. The lipid profile includes tests for measuring:

• Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
• Triglyceride
• HDL Cholesterol
• LDL Cholesterol
• VLDL Cholesterol
• Cholesterol
• Non-HDL Cholesterol
• HDL/LDL

The time taken after a lipid profile test sample collection would vary from lad to lab. However, at Max Lab, the serum sample is sent for analysis immediately after collection for the lipid profile test, and the time taken for the report generation is within 24 hours of collection. The report for the lipid profile test can also be downloaded from the Max Lab website using the registered mobile number.

A lipid test report provides an overview of the levels of various fat molecules and lipids in the blood. The report clearly lists the parameters that are being measured, against which the result as well as what the normal range should be are mentioned. In general, a lipid test report will display the following, along with their generally expected normal ranges:

• Total Cholesterol: This is the estimated total level of all types of cholesterol in the blood, which should generally be below 200mg/dL. If the levels are higher than normal, the ratio of LDL and HDL must be taken into consideration to determine one’s risk of developing cardiovascular issues.
• Triglycerides: This is a form of fat that is generally associated with diabetes and heart diseases. Normal triglyceride levels should be less than 150 mg/dL, whereas 150-199 mg/dL is considered to be borderline; high up to 499 mg/dL; and very high if they are above 500 mg/dL.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): The good cholesterol, HDL helps carry the bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream. Generally, HDL levels over 60 mg/dL are considered to be good and ‘at risk’ if they are below 40mg/dL.
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): The bad cholesterol, LDL increases the risk of heart diseases. Barring any mitigating health conditions, less than 100 mg/dL is the optimal level for LDL, which is also considered as near-optimal up to 129 mg/dL. On the other hand, 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high, with 160-189 mg/dL being considered as high.

A person’s normal cholesterol levels or the levels they should aim to reach will vary depending on the medication they are taking (if any), their overall health, underlying health conditions, age, etc., so it is best to consult a doctor with the lipid test report for a proper diagnosis.