Lipid Profile

A lipid profile, commonly referred to as a lipid panel, consists of a series of blood tests designed to assess the levels of lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood. These tests also help identify genetic conditions and evaluate the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, pancreatitis, and other health issues. A lipid profile test is typically performed with a physical check-up and additional assessments, like the basic metabolic panel (BMP) and complete blood count (CBC).

What are Lipids?

Lipids are fundamental substances made up of hydrocarbons. Together with carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids, they constitute the four essential biological components necessary for the body to perform its daily functions. Abnormal lipid levels, such as elevated cholesterol, can lead to serious health complications, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke.

A doctor may recommend a lipid profile test during a routine health check-up to detect potential irregularities and increases in harmful cholesterol levels or to diagnose a medical condition that could become life-threatening.

Are any Pre-Test preparations required?

Yes! Preparing for a lipid profile test is necessary. When visiting a physician’s office or a pathology lab, individuals will receive instructions on how to get ready for the test. If the physician or lab professional recommends fasting before the test, consuming only fluids for about eight to ten hours beforehand is advised.

 Generally, pre-approved medications can be taken with water before the procedure. Participants should refrain from eating fatty foods, consuming alcohol, or engaging in intense exercise.

If the results indicate an abnormal lipid level, the individual may need treatment to return the levels to normal. This treatment may include medications, dietary changes, weight management strategies, and physical activity such as  yoga.

What are the components of a lipid profile test?

A lipid profile test evaluates the amounts of several components, including:

• Total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio
• Serum phospholipids
• Serum HDL cholesterol
• Serum total cholesterol
• Serum triglycerides
• Total lipids
• Electrophoretic fractionation that measures the percentage of:
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
• Chylomicrons
• Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)
•  High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

Each component has designated typical values that are crucial to maintain. For precise interpretations, it is best to consult with a physician regarding the results provided by pathology technicians.

What are common values?

LDL Cholesterol

• The standard is at or below 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L); for individuals with known conditions like diabetes or ASCVD, an ideal level is below 70 mg/dL (1.81 mmol/L).
• Near/Above Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL (2.59-3.34 mmol/L)
• Marginally High: Between 130 and 159 mg/dL
• Normal: below 150 mg/dL (1.70 mmol/L)  
• Marginal: Between 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.7-2.2 mmol/L)  
• High: Between 200 and 499 mg/dL (2.3-5.6 mmol/L)  
• Risky high: above 500 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)  

Non-HDL Cholesterol  

• Desirable: Below 130 mg/dL (3.37 mmol/L)  
• Near/over desirable: Between 130 and 159 mg/dL (3.37-4.12 mmol/L)  
• Marginal high: Between 160 and 189 mg/dL (4.15-4.90 mmol/L)  
• High: Between 190 and 219 mg/dL (4.9-5.7 mmol/L)  
• Risky high: More than 220 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L)  

Abnormal lipid levels and/or the presence of additional risk factors such as age, genetic background, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure suggest that the individual should begin treatment immediately.  

The NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III utilises lipid test results and risk factors to determine acceptable LDL cholesterol levels. Based on these criteria, prompt treatment is necessary if a person's LDL-C level surpasses the acceptable range.  

The ideal LDL-C level is:  

• Below 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) for individuals with diabetes or cardiovascular issues [ideally below 70 mg/dL (1.81 mmol/L)]  
• Below 130 mg/dL (3.37 mmol/L) for those with two or more risk factors  
• Below 160 mg/dL (4.14 mmol/L) for individuals with none or just one risk factor  

The  Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends a proper fasting lipid profile test for evaluating youth with heart disease risk factors. However, a fasting lipid test is necessary for children with risk factors.

 Non-fasting lipid tests should use non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL-C) Cholesterol. Non-HDL-C is calculated by determining the total cholesterol level and subtracting HDL-C from it.  

Additional tests suggested alongside a lipid profile include:  

• Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Level (VLDL)  
• The LDL to HDL ratio  
• The total cholesterol to HDL ratio  

What do examinations indicate?  

When no risk factor is present:  

• For adults, once every 4 to 6 years;  
• One test is for youths between the ages of 9 and 11, and the other is for those between the ages of 17 and 21.  

Testing:  

• Testing is essential. It should be conducted periodically  
• when risk factors show their presence in the body,  
• if previous screenings indicated very high-risk levels or  
• to assess the effectiveness of treatment.  

Summary

A lipid profile test checks for unhealthy cholesterol levels in your blood. High cholesterol can be managed, but it’s important to get advice from a doctor to keep it under control. Taking care of it early can help you avoid serious health problems later. You can also get a TruePal health checkup to keep track of your health.

FAQs

1. What is the usual range for lipid profiles?

Normal: <200 mg/dL. Borderline high: 200–239 mg/dL. High: at or above 240 mg/dL.

2. What happens if your lipid profile is high?

"Hyperlipidemia" refers to high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Hyperlipidemia can greatly raise a person's risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other major disorders caused by vessel wall constriction or obstruction.

3. What exactly is a bad lipid profile?

A lipid problem causes an increase in LDLs, triglycerides, or both. HDLs are characterised as "good cholesterol" because they aid in removing bad cholesterol from the body. A buildup of LDLs and triglycerides can cause fatty materials to accumulate in the tissues of the body, particularly the arteries.

4. Is 250 a high level of cholesterol?

Doctors consider 250 mg/dL of total cholesterol to be high. High cholesterol levels can cause major health problems, such as strokes and heart attacks. A high-fat diet, smoking, and inactivity can all raise the chance of developing high cholesterol.