Lipid Profile Test: What is it and why is it prescribed?

 What is the Lipid Profile Test?

A lipid profile test is a blood test that measures lipid, a type of fat molecule, in the blood. This is done to measure the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. High lipid content in one’s blood vessels and arteries can greatly increase the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack, stroke, various heart diseases, etc. This test is known by various names, including lipid profile test, lipid panel, cholesterol test, and serum lipid profile test.



What is it for?

A lipid profile test is done to measure 5 different types of lipids in the blood. They are:

1. Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol:

Also known as LDL, it’s a type of cholesterol that’s referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. It accumulates over time in your vessels and arteries and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol:

Also known as VLDL, it’s a type of cholesterol that’s present in a low amount in your blood. It mostly comes from the food one has recently eaten. The samples required for VLDL need to be fasting samples. An increase in VLDL indicates abnormal lipid metabolism.

3. High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol:

Also known as HDL, it’s a type of cholesterol that’s referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol. It plays an important role in decreasing LDL build-up in the blood.

4. Total Cholesterol:

It is the overall cholesterol level, measured by checking LDL, VLDL, and HDL.

5. Triglycerides:

It is a type of fat that individuals consume from their food. Excess amounts of triglycerides in the body are associated with cardiovascular diseases and pancreatic inflammation.

Why is it prescribed?

Healthcare providers recommend the lipid profile test for various reasons, primarily to check the risk of heart disease in a person. A healthcare provider will prescribe this test if the person:

  • Is a male above the age of 45 and a female above the age of 50

  • Smokes

  • Has obesity

  • Does not do sufficient physical activity

  • Has high blood pressure/hypertension

  • Has a first-degree relative, like a parent or a sibling, who suffered from heart disease at an early age

  • Has diabetes or is pre-diabetic

For accurate results, it is always recommended to get the lipid profile blood test from a reputed pathology lab.


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