Lipid Profile Test

Lipids are fats and fatty substances used as a source of energy by the body. A lipid profile is a combination of blood tests that helps measure the levels of different types of lipids in the bloodstream. Cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are the different types of lipids present in the body.

The lipid profile test measures Total Cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum HDL, serum LDL and serum VLDL. The test also measures the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio. The lipid profile result will include the value of these parameters.

Cholesterol is a form of fat the body needs. It helps make the cells’ outer membranes stable. Higher than normal levels of total cholesterol are linked to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This high reading is not equivalent to a positive lipid profile test. There cannot be a negative lipid profile test result either.

Triglycerides are another form of fat that is measurable along with cholesterol. High levels of triglycerides are a known risk factor for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Triglycerides are abbreviated as TGC in some lipid profile results.

There are no signs or symptoms of an abnormal cholesterol level. Certain diseases like hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism and HIV/AIDS can cause unhealthy cholesterol levels. These patients are at a higher risk of developing clots in the arteries. These clots in the arteries can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

There are certain risk factors that may contribute to abnormally high levels of blood cholesterol levels. Factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking can lead to high serum cholesterol levels.

The lipid profile test results help to detect abnormal levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides. This detection can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Sometimes a lipid profile test is prescribed as part of a routine health check-up. This check-up might help the physician to suggest any lifestyle changes or prescribe medicines when necessary.

High blood cholesterol levels constitute a risk factor for atherosclerosis (blockage in arteries). As per studies, high cholesterol levels are seen in 25 - 30% of the Indian urban population. Even in rural areas, dyslipidaemia is seen in 15 - 20% of the population. Due to genetic factors, a lack of physical activity and suboptimal dietary habits, high LDL cholesterol, high serum triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol are common issues among the Indian population. A lipid profile test is used in the diagnosis of dyslipidaemia and associated conditions.

Other Names of Lipid Profile

• Complete cholesterol test
• Lipid panel test

What does the lipid profile test detect (or) measure and who is this prescribed for?

The lipid profile test measures the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. The lipid profile test is prescribed for patients with a high risk of cardiac diseases or lifestyle disorders. A lipid profile test can also be a part of a routine body check-up.

There are no direct signs or symptoms of dyslipidaemia. Abnormal lipid values may be present if a person has the following conditions:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Hypothyroidism
• HIV/AIDS

The lipid profile test is also a requirement for people who are:

• Overweight
• Alcoholic
• Smokers
• On certain medications that can derange your lipid profile

 The lipid profile test is prescribed by the consulting physician for some of these conditions.

Following a diagnosis, the treatment and lifestyle changes for dyslipidaemia are initiated by an MD physician or clinical cardiologist or clinical nutritionist.

The lipid profile test may be prescribed every six months to monitor and regulate the dosage. The results of the lipid profile test may help your doctor decide the treatment protocol. Based on the result, the doctor may continue the same treatment or modify the dosage of medicines.

The lipid profile test is applicable for both genders. Some medications can increase blood cholesterol levels, such as beta-blockers, glucocorticoids, some hormonal therapies, diuretics and some anticonvulsants. Always inform your doctor about all current medications.

The results of a lipid profile test are derived from the analysis of a blood sample. The entire cholesterol analysis in the lipid profile test is made from a single blood sample.

Test Preparation

The lipid profile test is a profile that requires fasting for 12 hours before performing the test. Consumption of food or drinks is not allowed (only water is allowed) 12 hours before the test.

The typical way to collect a blood sample is by drawing blood from the most prominent vein in the forearm. The procedure for lipid profile test involves one single prick of the needle. Typically, the blood collection procedure lasts 5 minutes. A minimum of 12 hours of fasting is the only preparation for the lipid profile test.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

The lipid profile test includes the following:

• Total Cholesterol
• LDL Cholesterol direct
• HDL Cholesterol
• LDL/HDL ratio
• Non HDL Cholesterol
• TC/HDL Cholesterol Ratio
• Triglycerides
• Serum VLDL cholestrol
• HDL / LDL Cholesterol Ratio
• TRIG / HDL Ratio

Heart disease, stroke, pancreatitis, hypertension, obesity

The values are the same for males and females.

The normal values, parameters, and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

The four main components of the lipid profile test are Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL and LDL.

The Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio is not more important than the actual values. If the lipid profile report has a higher than usual reading for Total Cholesterol, it is diagnostic of dyslipidaemia. Dyslipidaemia, if left unchecked, increases the chances of atherosclerosis and subsequent heart attacks.

A low reading of HDL in a lipid profile test indicates lack of activity, sedentary lifestyle and deficiency of food with good fats.

A high reading of LDL in a lipid profile test result is suggestive of increased consumption of oily and fatty foods or poor processing of such unsaturated fatty acids by the body.

Dyslipidaemia and the other parameters are treatable with a combination of medicine, diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.