Lipid Profile Test

The lipid profile is a group of tests that are often ordered together to determine risk of coronary heart disease. They are tests that have been shown to be good indicators of whether someone is likely to have a heart attack or stroke caused by blockage of blood vessels or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). The lipid profile typically includes: Total cholesterol High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) often called good cholesterol Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) often called bad cholesterol Triglycerides An extended profile may also include:

Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) Non-HDL-C

Sometimes the report will include additional calculated values such as the Cholesterol/HDL ratio or a risk score based on lipid profile results, age, sex, and other risk factors. Talk to your doctor about what these other reported values may mean for you. his test is often done to determine your risk for coronary artery disease. High blood cholesterol and triglycerides have been linked to heart attack and stroke. Experts recommend that you have a complete cholesterol and triglycerides analysis every 5 years starting at age 20. The total cholesterol test is usually done as part of a lipid profile, which also checks for LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Arteriosclerosis of the extremities Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia Familial hypercholesterolemia Hypothyroidism; primary Hypothyroidism; secondary Type 1 or type 2 diabetes Primary biliary cirrhosis

Normal Results Total cholesterol is an important measure of both bad and good cholesterol. Other lab tests are done to measure specific amounts of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol. A cholesterol breakdown including LDL and HDL is preferred. The total cholesterol values listed below are used to target therapy:

Desirable: Under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL High risk: 240 mg/dL and higher

Abnormal Results In general, a total cholesterol value over 200 mg/dL may mean you have a greater risk for heart disease. However, LDL levels are a better predictor of heart disease, and they determine how your high cholesterol should be treated. High total cholesterol levels may be caused by:

Biliary cirrhosis Familial hyperlipidemias High-fat diet Hypothyroidism Nephrotic syndrome Uncontrolled diabetes

Low cholesterol levels may be caused by:

Hyperthyroidism Liver disease Malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract) Malnutrition Pernicious anemia Sepsis