LIPID PROFILE TESTS
Lipid profile or lipid panel is a panel of blood tests that serve as an initial screening tool for abnormalities in lipids. The results of this test can identify certain genetic diseases and can determine approximate risks for cardiovascular disease, certain forms of pancreatitis, and other diseases.
Lipids being fats and fatty substances are used as a source of energy by the body. They include cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
The panel measures:
- Total cholesterol level.
- LDL cholesterol level. This is the 'bad' cholesterol.
- HDL cholesterol level. This is the 'good' cholesterol.
- Triglyceride level.
There are other measurements that may be done for a lipid panel:
- Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol level.
- The ratio of LDL to HDL.
- The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL.
Lipids are found in the blood and are stored in tissues. They are an important part of cells and they help keep the body working normally. Lipid disorders, such as high cholesterol, may lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, or stroke.
Our doctors may order a lipid panel as part of a regular health examination. He may use the results of this test to prevent, check on, or diagnose a medical condition that patient might not be aware of.
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat that the body needs to function properly. However, too much cholesterol can lead to:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Atherosclerosis, a clogging or hardening of the arteries
Men should get their cholesterol levels checked regularly, starting by age 35 or younger. While women, should begin routine cholesterol screening by age 45 or younger. It is even recommended that to be safe, cholesterol levels must be tested every five years beginning as early as age 20. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure, or if they happen to be taking medication to control cholesterol levels, should check their cholesterol every year.
Who risks high cholesterol?
Cholesterol testing is very important if the patient has:
- A family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking problem
- Issues with being overweight or obese
- The habit of drinking alcohol frequently
conditions such as;
- Diabetes,
- Kidney disease,
- Polycysticovary syndrome, or
- An underactive thyroid gland
All of these things can increase the risk of developing high cholesterol.
What is measured in a LIPID PROFILE test?
A complete cholesterol test measures four types of lipids, or fats, in the blood:
- Total cholesterol: This is the total amount of cholesterol in a person’s blood.
- Triglycerides: The body converts the calories it does not need into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. People who are overweight, diabetic, eat too many sweets, or drink too much alcohol usually have high triglyceride levels.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Too much of it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: This is commonly referred to as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Preparing for a cholesterol test
In some cases, our doctors may ask the patient to fast before having cholesterol levels tested. A patient may be able to eat beforehand if it is only the HDL and total cholesterol levels that are to be checked. However, for a complete lipid profile, one should avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for 9 to 12 hours before the test.
Patients should also tell doctors about;
- Symptoms or existing health problems
- Their family history of heart health
- All medications and supplements that he is taking currently.
Medications such as birth control pillscould increase cholesterol levels, our doctors may ask the patient to stop taking them a few days before the test
How a cholesterol test performed
To check for cholesterol levels, our doctors will need to get a blood sample. The patient will probably have the blood drawn in the morning, most times after fasting since the night before.
Usually performed at a diagnostic lab, a blood test is an outpatient procedure which takes a few minutes to completeand is relatively painless. In some cases, it can also be performed during regular visits to thedoctor, at a local pharmacy, or even at home.
Veryfew risks are associated with blood draw for a cholesterol test. A patient may feel slightly faint or have some soreness or pain at the site where the blood was drawn. There’s also a very slight risk of infection at the puncture site.
It is important for patients to follow doctors’ instructions on how to prepare for this test. If the doctor demands fasting before the test, the patient must have nothing to eat or drink anything except water for 9 to 12 hours before having the blood draw. Except that one is allowed to take medicines with water the morning of the test.
Fasting is not always necessary, but it may be recommended. Foods that are high in fat must be avoided in the night before the test date.
The meaning of the test results
Levels for cholesterol are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.
Ideal results for adults are:
- LDL: 70 to 130 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)
- HDL: more than 40 to 60 mg/dL (the higher the number, the better)
- Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)
- Triglycerides: 10 to 150 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)
If a person’s cholesterol numbers are outside of the normal range, they may be at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. If the test results are abnormal, our doctors may order a blood glucose test to check for diabetes. Our doctors might also order a thyroid function test to determine if the thyroid gland is underactive.
Next steps treatment and outlook
High cholesterol can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. To help lower cholesterol levels, one will need to:
- Quit smoking tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
- Exercise regularly. Averagely, 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity and two sessions of muscle strengthening activities per week.
- Avoid high-fat and high-sodium foods, while maintaining a well-balanced diet. Eat a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products, low-fat dairy products, and lean sources of protein.
- A patient may be put on a Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet where only 7 percent of daily calories should come from saturated fat. It also requires that a patient gets less than 200 mg of cholesterol from food each day.
Some foods can help the digestive tract absorb less cholesterol. For example, a patient may be encouraged to eat more of:
- Grainsg. Oats, barley, etc.
- Vegetablesg. eggplant and okra
- Beans and legumes, e.g. kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils
- Fruitsg. apples, pears, bananas, and oranges
Another common risk factor for high cholesterol and heart disease is Obesity. Our doctors may therefore encourage a patient to lose weight by cutting calories from his diet and exercising more.
Medications such as statins can also help keep cholesterol in check.
Overall, high cholesterol is very manageable. A patient can ask our doctors to help create a treatment plan that he/she can maintain. This plan may include changes to normal diet, exercise routine, and other daily habits. Additionally, it may also include cholesterol-lowering medications.
