What is a Lipid Profile?

A LIPID Profile is a biochemical analysis or a set of tests that helps to evaluate lipids in the blood. Lipid Profile is a family history test that measures the levels of “good” and “bad” cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins: bile acids, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) or Lp(a).

By this, we mean fats and cholesterol (total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C). This test reveals whether your body has a high or low level of these components, which can cause problems for your health if they are not kept in check.

A lipid panel is a screening blood test used to assess lipid (fat)levels in the blood. The results of this panel are beneficial for monitoring lipid health; and also referring to persons with a known, elevated risk of coronary heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases.

 

 

 

Tests involved to Measure Lipid Profile.

The following tests are included in Lipid Profile.

1. Total Cholesterol measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood.

2. LDL(Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: This refers to low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol, which has been linked to heart disease and stroke risk factors. 

3. HDL(high-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol refers to high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol, associated with better heart health and a lower risk for heart disease and stroke. 

4. Triglycerides: It is a type of fat found in the blood that’s produced when carbohydrates are broken down by the body into glucose and then used as fuel by cells in the body’s tissues and organs, including muscles, brain, liver, kidneys, pancreas, stomach lining and testes.

Triglycerides contain three fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule. Cholesterol is made up of molecules called phospholipids linked together with proteins and other molecules to form droplets or spheres called lipoproteins.

 

 

Purpose & Importance of lipid Testing

There are many benefits of taking a lipid profile, such as:

• It helps identify risk factors for heart disease. 

• It helps diagnose potential health problems & medical conditions.

• It helps assess your response to treatments and medications. 

• It may help in determining the best treatment plan for you. If you have diabetes or high cholesterol. A lipid profile can help to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease, in particular women with type 2 diabetes who may be predisposed to atherosclerosis and heart disease due to elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) levels and elevated blood pressure.

Procedure & Preparation 

A lipid profile will help you understand how your body’s levels of cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and other lipids are changing over time. These tests may also be used to diagnose certain diseases such as high cholesterol or high triglycerides. 

There are two types of lipid profile tests: 

1. A fasting lipid profile is done on an empty stomach with no food or drink for at least eight hours before the test. 

2. A nonfasting lipid profile is done after you have eaten a meal within the last four hours before the test.

It can help determine if you have any risk factors for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or other conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. 

The procedure typically includes:

1. A fasting sample blood draws to measure total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL cholesterol. 

2. An electrocardiogram (ECG) to HDL signs of heart disease or abnormalities that could be caused by thyroid problems or certain medications like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. 

3. An ultrasound test to check for fatty liver enlargement or thickening of the liver is known as steatosis.

 

 

How to calculate lipids?

To calculate your lipid profile, you need to:

 

1. Find your total cholesterol

2. Find your LDL-C (bad cholesterol)

3. Find your HDL-C (good cholesterol)

4. Find the ratio of these two values 

5. Subtract the HDL-C from the total cholesterol 

The ratio between these two types of lipids can help determine if you have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease or not. The higher your HDL-C/LDL-C ratio, the lower your risk is for cardiovascular disease.

Do’s & Don’ts Of Lipid Profile

1. Make sure you have fasted before coming to the lab for this test 

2. Keep your diet healthy as it can affect your results

 

3. Do not take any medications or supplements for at least two weeks before taking this test 

4. You need to fast for 12 hours before the procedure

 

5. You will be asked to provide some personal information like age, gender, ethnicity and weight 

6. You will also be asked to sign a consent form.

The following must be considered properly:

1. Do not skip meals. 

2. Avoid eating fatty foods such as deep-fried foods, processed meats, fried chicken, etc. 

3. Do not eat high-fat dairy products like cheese or ice cream. 

4. Don’t drink alcohol excessively or smoke cigarettes regularly. It will significantly increase your cholesterol levels and decrease the amount of good cholesterol in your body that helps prevent heart disease.

5. Don’t assume that eating more vegetables or fruit will help reduce cholesterol levels. 

6. Don’t assume that low-fat foods are healthier than high-fat foods because they contain fewer calories or don’t contain any saturated fats at all (which are often replaced with polyunsaturated fats). 

7. Don’t count on soybean oil as a replacement for animal fats like butter or lard in recipes because it has been found to increase bad cholesterol levels in some people and may not be as healthy as other plant oils when used as cooking oil.

 

 

Range Of Lipid Profile

A normal lipid profile is considered to be under 200 mg/dL. If your cholesterol levels are over 200, you may need to take a  statin drug. A high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level is between 40 and 60 mg/dL for women and 50 and 70 mg/dL for men. 

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels should be less than 100 mg/dL for women and less than 130 mg/dL for men. 

The best way to control cholesterol is by maintaining a healthy diet that consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish or poultry with limited saturated fat intake.

If the lipid profile is high, it may be due to:

1. The person has been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder like diabetes or hypothyroidism. 

2. They have underlying conditions that can cause their lipid levels to rise, such as liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, or endocrine disorders like Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease. 

3. They are being treated for a drug overdose that could lead to hyperlipidemia (a condition where your blood lipids go up).

 Monitor your cholesterol levels

To control your cholesterol levels:

• Lowering fat intake can help lower triglyceride levels. 

• Increase fibre intake to improve the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol. 

• Reduce stress, leading to unhealthy lifestyle choices like high-calorie consumption and lack of exercise.

• Drink lots of water to help flush out toxins that may cause high cholesterol levels. 

• Consume lots of fruits and vegetables as they are rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals that can cause plaque buildup on artery walls that can lead to heart disease or stroke. 

• Take medicine prescribed by your doctor to lower high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels. 

• Monitor your lipid profile regularly with a fasting lipid profile or through periodic laboratory tests so that you can take action when needed.

Conclusion 

A lipid profile can be done at any doctor’s office or lab, but it is recommended that you have one done by a doctor. It is also important to keep in mind that this test should not be taken on an empty stomach as it may lead to inaccurate results.

If you have symptoms of a higher risk of coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides, you must get a Lipid profile done.

If the lipid profile test results are high, it can be a sign that you are at risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

It is advised to get your cholesterol checked every year to ensure that it remains under 150-200 mg/dL. 

In addition, you should also try and avoid trans fats as they contribute to heart disease and obesity.

It is important to get a lipid profile every three months. This will help you monitor your cholesterol levels and other health factors.

If you have an abnormal lipid profile, your doctor will consider lipid testing — also called plasma vitamin d level — to determine what treatment may be needed.

If you are unsure when to get a lipid profile, speak with your doctor or find out what days of the month you should avoid getting one because there are certain times of the month when your cholesterol levels tend to rise due to hormonal changes or lifestyle changes.