A Complete Guide to Lipid Profile Tests: Uses, Preparation, and Key Indicators of Cardiovascular Risk
A lipid profile test measures different lipids in the blood. Lipids are fat-like substances that serve as a source of energy needed for proper body functioning. The test measures lipids like low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol. While our body needs small amounts of lipids to work normally, too much of them can cause serious health issues like coronary artery disease, stroke or heart attack.
What are some important tests in a lipid profile?
A lipid profile test analyses a blood sample for these distinct lipid types:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: LDL is considered as the “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to fatty buildups in arteries. This narrowing of arteries can raise the risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease.
HDL cholesterol: It is considered as the “good” cholesterol because it may help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. HDL helps to get rid of excess LDL cholesterol by taking it away from the arteries and back to the liver.
Triglycerides: They are a common type of fat which are needed for good health. Triglycerides come from foods, especially oils, butter, and other fats you eat. While, some triglycerides are good for the health, high triglyceride levels in the blood can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol: It is a type of bad cholesterol, that primarily originates from previously consumed meals. VLDL cholesterol is produced by the liver and contains high levels of triglycerides, which raises the risk of heart disease. An abnormal lipid metabolism could be linked to higher VLDL levels in a fasting sample.
Total cholesterol: It is the sum of an individual’s LDL, VLDL, and HDL cholesterol levels. The total cholesterol number helps provide vital information when evaluating your risk for heart disease and how best to manage it.
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Who needs to get tested?
You need to undergo this test if:
• You are a smoker
• You are obese
• You have hypertension or diabetes
• You are a male over the age of 45 or a female over the age of 50
• Eating an unhealthy diet
• One of the family members has a history of heart disease at a young age (below 55 years for males and below 65 years for females)
If you have one or more risk factors, you may need to go for this test every year or every few years. Its frequency may depend on the results of prior tests.
What is this test used for?
Lipid profile is used to determine various conditions and monitor a patient’s cardiovascular health by evaluating their blood cholesterol levels. Given that high cholesterol levels do not show any symptoms, the lipid profile test serves as an essential screening tool to find out about an individual’s cardiovascular health.
A doctor may recommend this test due to:
• As a routine checkup to determine your risk levels
• If an individual posses additional risk factors for heart disease, which may require regular monitoring
• To know the body’s response to treatment due to a change in lifestyle
• To help in the identification of various medical conditions, including liver disease
Preparation
The test requires fasting for 8 to 12 hours before having this blood test. This means an individual should restrain from eating any food and drinking only water. During this period, clear fluids like water can be consumed, but beverages such as tea, coffee and milk should be avoided until specimen collection is completed.
Disclaimer: For personalised advice and further information, always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional.