Lipids play critical roles in the human body and are essential for constituting components of cell membranes, and hormones, serve as an energy reserve, and offer cushioning.
However, the excess of certain types of lipids can be harmful, particularly for heart health. These elevated levels of lipids can be evaluated by performing a lipid profile test.
What is a lipid profile test?
A lipid profile test is a blood test that quantifies the amount of fat molecules or lipids in the blood. In most cases, this test includes a measurement of triglycerides and four cholesterol measurements.
Excess lipids in your blood can lead to the building up of a fatty substance in your arteries. This can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease by causing your arteries to narrow down. Healthcare providers use lipid tests for adults and children to evaluate their risk of diseases like stroke and heart attack.
Other common names for a lipid panel include:
- Lipid test
- Lipid profile
- Coronary risk panel
- Cholesterol panel
- Non-fasting lipid panel
- Fasting lipid profile test
Purpose of lipid profile test
The lipid profile test is performed to check cholesterol levels in the blood and evaluate cardiovascular health. Excess amounts of cholesterol can build up in the arteries and blood vessels, thus increasing the risk of serious health issues.
However, there can be several reasons to perform a lipid panel test including;
- Diagnosis: This test can be a part of the diagnosis of various medical conditions, such as diseases that directly affect the liver.
- Monitoring: A lipid panel test is performed to monitor the previously abnormal levels of lipids or cholesterol in the blood.
- Screening: Lipid testing also determines if your cholesterol falls into a borderline-, normal, high-risk, or immediate category.
- Measuring response to treatment: Some patients are advised to take cholesterol medications or make lifestyle changes and a lipid panel can evaluate their response to the treatment.
What are normal lipid profile results?
The ideal level for each of the four standard lipid profile tests is as follows:
- Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Below 70 mg/dL for people who have diabetes or below 100 mg/dL for non-diabetics.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Above 60 mg/dL.
- Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL.
If your results are lower or higher than the target range, they may be classified as intermediate-, borderline-, or high-risk for cardiovascular issues. In general, higher-than-normal levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and lower-than-normal levels of HDL can enhance the chances of cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping a check on your cholesterol levels is crucial and it is only possible with a lipid panel or profile test. It is recommended for healthy adults to get their cholesterol levels evaluated at least once in five years. However, individuals at an elevated risk of developing heart disease or with a family history of high cholesterol should have it assessed more frequently. For lipid profile test price or more information reach out to us at at Aap Ki Sehat Ka Number – 03-111-456-789 or visit your nearest Chughtai Lab.
FAQs
1. Does a lipid profile test require fasting?
It is advisable to fast for at least 10-12 hours before getting your lipid profile checked. However, drinking water is allowed.
2. Can a lipid profile test detect blockages in the arteries?
Yes, a lipid profile test can identify the deposition of fatty acids or cholesterol in the blood, which can result in constricted or blocked arteries throughout your body.
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