FAQs on Lipid Profile Test

by admin-blog-kh | July 16, 2020 11:26 am

What is Lipid profile test?

A lipid profile   test is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and fats  in the blood. These measurements give the doctor a quick snapshot of what’s going on in your blood. The results of this test can identify certain genetic disorders, determine approximate risks for cardiovascular disease  and  certain forms of pancreatitis. Cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can clog arteries, making you more vulnerable to develop heart attacks .

Why get tested?

Lipids are the fats and fatty substances that circulate  in the blood and are stored in  tissues. They  are  produced by your body and also come from the foods you eat.

They are used by the body as a source of energy. While lipids  are  essential to keep the body functioning normally, lipid disorders  like high cholesterol, high  LDL  and  low  HDL  might lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or coronary artery disease  etc. All  these  abnormalities  do  not  produce  any  symptoms  or  warning  signs[2] .Hence, the need  for  routine  lipid profile tests  is  stressed  for  every  one  and  especially  for a high  risk  population.

For whom it is prescribed?

A lipid profile test is often part of a routine general examination. This is because knowledge on this is useful to prevent many other health conditions. Hence regular monitoring is advised. It is also an important parameter in diagnosing other diseases. The results of changes in lifestyle and other modifications are also measured by this lipid profile value; for example, the success of a diet plan or the effectiveness of a drug is indicated by a change in the lipid profile.

Irrespective of whether a person has an underlying heart condition or not, regular monitoring of the lipid profile level is advised for adults – a fasting lipid profile test should be done at least once a year. Children between 9-11 years should also get tested once. The test can then be repeated again when they are around 17-21 years. Of course, if the test results are not normal or if other health conditions are present then more frequent monitoring will be recommended.

LDL or bad cholesterol should be low, while HDL or good cholesterol should be high. A non-conformity to this is often a precursor to many other health conditions. Other risk factors which require careful monitoring of lipid profile levels include:

• Smoking[3]
• Obesity[4]
• Bad food habits
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High blood pressure
• Heart ailments in the family
• Having a heart condition
• Already having suffered a heart attack
• Being a diabetic or showing a tendency towards becoming diabetic

Men aged 45 years or more and women between 50-55 years of age and more are also advised strict monitoring of lipid levels.

How many tests does it include?

The lipid profile typically includes:

• Total lipids
• Serum total cholesterol
• Serum HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the “good cholesterol”
• Serum LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the “bad cholesterol”
• Total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio
• Serum triglycerides

     VLDL

In  special  situations:

• Serum Phospholipids
• Electrophoretic fractionation to determine the percentage of
  (a) Chylomicrons         (b) LDL            (c) VLDL           (d)HDL

When is the Lipid Profile Test performed ? Is fasting required for it?

Ideally,  the  test  is  done  in a fasting  state. (minimum  8  hours  of  fasting  with  no  food  or  drinks  except  water). However,  in special  situations,  as decided  by  your  doctor,  the  test  can  be done  anytime  of  the  day  without  fasting.

What is the normal range of Lipid profile?

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL) of blood. The normal values are as follows:

HDL	more than 40 to 60 mg/dL	the higher, the better
LDL	70 to 130 mg/dL	the lower, the better
Total cholesterol	less than 200 mg/Dl	the lower, the better
Triglycerides	10 to 150 mg/dL	the lower, the better

If your results are outside the normal range, you might be at a higher risk of strokes, heart diseases, etc. On receiving abnormal results, our doctor may order some additional tests like  blood glucose  or  thyroid function  test to assess  the  risk  score.

How to Control abnormal  Lipids?

1. Reduce consumption of saturated and trans fats.
2. Increase intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
3. Consume soluble fiber on a daily basis.
4. Reduce consumption of concentrated sugars.
5. Reduce alcohol consumption.
6. Increase  physical  activity  and reduce weight.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

Source URL: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/heart-health/faqs-on-lipid-profile-test/

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