Lipid Profile

A lipid profile, also known as lipid test, cholesterol panel, coronary risk panel, and lipid panel, measures the level of good and bad cholesterol along with triglycerides in your blood. This includes measuring the levels of different parameters like low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and cholesterol/HDL ratio among others.
 
The lipid profile test is done: 
• To screen for any kind of heart condition or disease, especially in people with prominent risk factors such as genetic predisposition, obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and drinking habits, and old age.
• To assess the risk of developing heart diseases and also to monitor the treatment of an ongoing heart ailment.

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What are the risk factors for high cholesterol levels?

The risk factors for high cholesterol levels include high low-density cholesterol, smoking, obesity, an unhealthy diet, staying physically inactive, old age, hypertension, having a family history of premature heart disease, already having heart disease or history of heart attack, diabetes or prediabetes.

Why HDL-C is known as good cholesterol?

HDL-C which is high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is also known as good cholesterol as it takes up excess cholesterol. This excess cholesterol is carried out by HDL-C to the liver so that it can be removed from the body.

Why LDL-C is known as bad cholesterol?

LDL-C which is low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is also known as bad cholesterol as it deposits the excess of cholesterol in the walls of the blood vessels. This deposition can cause atherosclerosis.

Which foods can cause high cholesterol levels?

The foods that can cause high cholesterol levels include foods that are high in unhealthy fats i.e. saturated fats. The examples include deep-fried fast foods, processed foods such as biscuits and pastries, junk foods such as hamburgers, and pizza; coconut oil, butter etc.

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.