Lipids are the body’s primary source of stored energy. They are a group of substances that play a key role in energy storage, cell signaling, and forming structural components of cell membranes. A lipid profile test measures the levels of fats in the blood, such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL (“good”), LDL (“bad”) to asses the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Why do you need this test?

This test, along with other risk factors, such as your blood pressure and whether you are a smoker, helps the your doctor evaluate the health of your heart and blood vessels. It is generally recommended for people with:

• High blood pressure
• Difficulty in breathing
• Overweight or obesity
• Smoking habit
• Lack of regular exercise
• Diet high in unhealthy foods
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Chronic stress

Depending on the test results, an individual may be recommended and treatement may ne initiated accordingly.

What constitutes a lipid panel?

A lipid profile test examines a blood sample to measure five different type of fats. They include:

Total cholesterol: We’re often warned of dangers of cholesterol, but the fact is that it is difficult to survive without it. Cholesterol is a substance that is essential for the body’s cell membranes. We all need some amount of cholesterol but an elevated level can clog the arteries and lead to health problems in the future. For many individuals, a higher blood cholesterol level may cause an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease. This is because it reduces the flow of blood to the heart and lead to a heart attack. Factors that affect blood cholesterol levels include age, sex, body weight, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, exercise, genetic factors, family history, medications, menopausal status, etc. The cholesterol level can be measured any time of day, as it is not necessary to avoid eating before the blood test. 

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: High levels can lead to the buildup of blockages in blood vessels. Your healthcare provider will look at your risk factors for heart attack and stroke, such as previous heart attack, diabetes, smoking, age, blood pressure, and family history to decide whether you would benefit from medication to lower your LDL-cholesterol level. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol – This specific form of cholesterol is typically found in minimal quantities in fasting blood samples. An abnormal lipid metabolism could be responsible for elevated VLDL levels in a fasting sample.

Triglycerides (TGs): These are essential fats that serve as a major source of energy used and stored by our bodies. Two major sources of triglycerides are — what we eat and what our liver makes. High level of TG may cause diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney disease, or some medicines. While triglycerides are important for your body’s normal function, an elevated levels of triglycerides can cause health problems. Triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dL are considered “high” and are also associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Some main causes of high triglycerides are drinking too much alcohol, not doing enough exercise, being overwieght, having a diet high in fat, certain medications and heredity. If the levels of triglycerides rises above 500 mg/dL, an individual is at risk for pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can cause many other health problems.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Often called “good cholesterol,” HDL protects an individual against heart disease by carrying the extra cholesterol out of the arteries, thus lowering the risk of having a heart attack of stroke. The key is the more the better. 

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Preparations

For optimal accuracy, fasting for 9-12 hours is needed for this test. The individual should not consume any food or drink, except water, during this fasting period. The test may be done first thing in the morning, just before breakfast. If someone has undergone a recent surgery, a heart attack or been unwell, it is important to take rest before having the test done. This will ensure accuracy. For the blood sample collection process, a trained phlebotomist will insert a needle in your arm to collect the blood in a test tube. In case of pregnancy, it is important to wait until at least 6 weeks after the baby is born to have your cholesterol measured. This is because cholesterol rises higher during pregnancy.

Disclaimer: For personalised advice and further information, always consult your physician or qualified healthcare professional.