Lipid Profile Test

Lipid Profile Test Overview

Lipid Profile is a panel of blood tests that serves as an initial tool for abnormalities in lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. The lipid panel is used as part of cardiac risk assessment to help determine your risk of heart disease and to make decisions about what treatment may be best if you have a borderline, intermediate or high risk.

The results of the lipid panel are considered along with other known risk factors of heart disease to develop a plan of treatment and follow up. Depending on the results of dither risk factors, treatment options may involve changes such as diet and exercise or medications that lower lipid level, typically statins.

When is the Lipid Profile Test prescribed?

It is recommended as a part of routine check-up for healthy adults. To detect various cardiac diseases, in patients with diabetes, obesity, in smokers, in coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, or stroke.

What Lipid profile detects?

Non HDL-C (Calculated as total C-HDLC) represents the sum of cholesterol carried by all potentially atherogenic, apo B- containing lipoprotein particles, including LDL, LDL, Lp(a) VLDL (including VLDL remnants), and chylomicron particles and remnants.

An elevated level of cholesterol carried by circulating apolipoprotein (apo) B- containing  lipoproteins (non-HDL-C & LDL-C, termed atherogenic cholesterol) is a root cause of atherosclerosis/ASCVD. HDL-C is responsible for lowering peripheral tissue cholesterol (reverse transport), in turn reducing risk of ASCVD.

Apolipoprotein B, hsCRP, Lp(a) and LP-PLA2 testing should be considered in patients with moderate risk of ASCDV.

In all adults. (>20 Years of age), a fasting or non-fasting lipid profile should be obtained at least every 5 years. At a minimum., this should include total cholesterol and HDL-C which allows calculation of NON-HDL-C (Total-C-HDL-C). If fasting (generally 9-12 hrs) the LDL-C Level may be calculated, provided that the triglyceride concentration is <400 mg/dl.

Lifestyle therapies of ASCVD risk reduction generally includes intervention aimed at

• Dietary modifications

• Reducing total energy intake to lower body weight and adiposity for those who are overweight or obese

• Exercise

• Improve risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome

• Ceasing tobacco use

Reference Range

Procedures and Perquisites of Lipid Profile Test

The doctor may advise 9-10 hrs of fasting before the test, but it depends on the symptoms. The procedure of the test is quick, and the result will be delivered within 24-48 hrs.