Lipid Profile
Monitoring
Heart Health with
Lipid
Profile
A lipid profile,
also known as a lipid panel, is a blood test that provides detailed information
about the levels of different types of lipids and cholesterol in the blood.
Lipids play a crucial role in several physiological processes of the body such
as cell structure, hormone production, and energy storage but abnormal levels
of its components can be indicative of cardiovascular diseases. Elevated levels
of lipids in the bloodstream can lead to a buildup in the arteries and blood
vessels, in turn causing damage to the organs and increasing the chances of
cardiovascular problems. Lipid profile is generally carried out to evaluate the
risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart diseases, heart attack, or stroke
in both children and adults.
Components of Lipid Profile:
Total Cholesterol:
Total
cholesterol is the sum of all the cholesterol present in the bloodstream. It
includes low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein
(HDL) cholesterol, and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol.
Desirable range of total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL while the range of
200-239 mg/dL is considered borderline or high risk. Levels of total
cholesterol above 240 mg/dL is indicative of high risk of cardiovascular
diseases and other complications.
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol:
LDL cholesterol
is often referred to as “bad cholesterol” and it’s high levels can be
indicative of atherosclerosis; which is narrowing and thickening of arteries
due to cholesterol deposition and a major risk factor for heart attack and
stroke. LDL cholesterol carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. It’s
desirable range is less than 100 mg/dL while the ranges of 100-129 mg/dL are
considered borderline or high risk. Levels of LDL above 130 mg/dL are
considered high risk for cardiovascular diseases.
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol:
High density
lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is also known as the “good cholesterol” as it
carried cholesterol from the cells back to the liver to be eliminated from the
body. High levels of HDL is often considered beneficial as it greatly reduces
the risk of heart disease. The normal range of HDL is more than 40 mg/dL in men
and more than 50 mg/dL for women. HDL levels in range of 40-59 mg/dL is considered
to be in borderline/high risk. Levels of HDL falling below 40 mg/dL for men and
below 50 mg/dL for women is considered to be a high risk range.
Triglycerides:
Triglycerides
are one of the most common types of fats found in the bloodstream and are stored
in the fat cells. Elevated triglycerides can increase the risk of
cardiovascular disease; particularly if it is coupled with the elevated levels
of LDL and low levels of HDL. Less than 150 mg/dL of triglycerides is
considered as the normal range. Triglycerides between 150-199 mg/dL is
considered borderline to high risk range. Levels of triglycerides above 200
mg/dL is considered as extremely high risk.
Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) Cholesterol:
VLDL is a
protein that carried triglycerides to the bloodstream. It is often considered
as a precursor of LDL cholesterol and its elevated levels can cause buildup in
the arteries of the heart.
Non-HDL Cholesterol:
Non-HDL
cholesterol is calculated by subtracting the level of HDL cholesterol from
total cholesterol. It provides a detailed measure of the bad cholesterol - LDL
and VLDL - and is often considered as a more accurate predictor of
cardiovascular risk than just measuring the LDL cholesterol levels.
Procedure:
●
Patients may be asked to fast
for 9-12 hours before the test to get accurate results.
●
A trained healthcare
professional such as a phlebotomist will prepare patient’s arm for the
venipuncture.
●
A tourniquet is tied to the arm
and the area to be punctured is cleaned with an antiseptic or rubbing alcohol
to make it sterile.
●
A needle is then inserted into
the vein in the arm of the patient and blood is drawn into tubes lined with
anticoagulants to prevent damage to the blood sample.
●
The tourniquet is removed and a
cotton swab is placed to stop the bleeding.
● The sample is then sent to the
laboratory for analysis - wherein serum (which contains the cholesterol and
lipids) is separated from the other components of the blood.
●
The separated serum is then
tested for the components of the lipid profile.
●
The results are then
interpreted by the healthcare professionals and discussed with the patient to
determine the appropriate treatment options.
Reasons for Getting a Lipid Profile Done:
●
Have coronary artery diseases
and are taking cholesterol lowering medications
● Are at-risk of developing
coronary artery disease due to a family history of heart attacks, obesity, are
physically inactive, diabetes, have unhealthy lifestyle, and smoke cigarettes
●
Patients undergoing cholesterol
lowering treatment can get lipid profile done to monitor the effectiveness of
treatment
●
As a part of routine check up
if the age is between 45-65
