What is Lipid Profile
Lipids are a group of fats and fat-like substances that are important constituents of cells and sources of energy. The lipid profile is a group of tests that are often ordered together to determine risk of coronary heart disease. The tests that make up a lipid profile 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.
Components of Lipid Profile Test
The lipid profile includes
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL-Cholesterol (Often Called Good Cholesterol)
- LDL-Cholesterol (Often Called Bad Cholesterol)
- Triglycerides
- Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
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.
When to Get Lipid Profile Tested
- Screening: Adults, every five years; Youths, once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21
- Monitoring: at regular intervals when risk factors are present, when prior results showed high risk levels, and/or to monitor effectiveness of treatment
Lipid Profile Test Results
Lipid Profile done by drawing your blood is the answer (after an overnight fasting on consuming a diet low in fat for three days) is recommended.
|
Desirable |
Borderline |
High risk |
|
| Cholesterol | Below 70 mg/dL |
200-239 mg/dl |
240 mg/dl |
| Triglycerides | Below 150 mg/dL |
150-199 mg/dl |
200-499 mg/dl |
| HDL Cholesterol |
60 mg/dl |
35-45 mg/dl |
|
| LDL Cholesterol |
60-130 mg/dl |
130-159 mg/dl |
160-189 mg/dl |
| Cholesterol/HDL ratio |
4.0 |
5.0 |
6.0 |
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