Lipid Profile Test-Why am I having this test?

Lipid profile test can be used to help evaluate your risk for developing heart disease. The test is also used to monitor your levels during treatment for high cholesterol to see if you are reaching your goals.

What is being tested?

A lipid profile measures the following:

• Total cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in your blood. If your total cholesterol level is high, this can increase your risk for heart disease.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL). This is known as the good cholesterol. Having high levels of HDL decreases your risk for heart disease. Your HDL level may be low if you smoke or do not get enough exercise.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This is known as the bad cholesterol. This type causes plaque to build up in your arteries. Having a low level of LDL is best. Having high levels of LDL increases your risk for heart disease.
• Cholesterol to HDL ratio. This is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. The ratio is used by health care providers to determine your risk for heart disease. A low ratio is best.
• Triglycerides. These are fats that your body can store or burn for energy. Low levels are best. Having high levels of triglycerides increases your risk for heart disease.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How do I prepare for this test?

Do not drink alcohol starting at least 24 hours before your test.

Follow any instructions from your health care provider about dietary restrictions before your test.

Do not eat or drink anything other than water after midnight on the night before the test, or as told by your health care provider.

Tell a health care provider about:

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as values that indicate your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges are:

Total cholesterol

• Adult or elderly: less than 200 mg/dL.
• Child: 120–200 mg/dL.
• Infant: 70–175 mg/dL.
• Newborn: 53–135 mg/dL.

HDL

• Male: greater than 45 mg/dL.
• Female: greater than 55 mg/dL.

HDL reference values based on your risk for heart disease:

• Low risk for heart disease:
  • Male: 60 mg/dL.
  • Female: 70 mg/dL.
• Moderate risk for heart disease:
  • Male: 45 mg/dL.
  • Female: 55 mg/dL.
• High risk for heart disease:
  • Male: 25 mg/dL.
  • Female: 35 mg/dL.

LDL

• Adults: Your health care provider will determine a target level for LDL based on your risk for heart disease.
  • If you are at low risk, your LDL should be 130 mg/dL or less.
  • If you are at moderate risk, your LDL should be 100 mg/dL or less.
  • If you are at high risk, your LDL should be 70 mg/dL or less.
• Children: less than 110 mg/dL.

Cholesterol to HDL ratio

Reference values based on your risk for heart disease:

• Risk that is half the average risk:
  • Male: 3.4.
  • Female: 3.3.
• Average risk:
  • Male: 5.0.
  • Female: 4.4.
• Risk that is two times average (moderate risk):
  • Male: 10.0.
  • Female: 7.0.
• Risk that is three times average (high risk):
  • Male: 24.0.
  • Female: 11.0.

Triglycerides

• Adult or elderly:
  • Male: 40–160 mg/dL.
  • Female: 35–135 mg/dL.
• Children 16–19 years old:
  • Male: 40–163 mg/dL.
  • Female: 40–128 mg/dL.
• Children 12–15 years old:
  • Male: 36–138 mg/dL.
  • Female: 41–138 mg/dL.
• Children 6–11 years old:
  • Male: 31–108 mg/dL.
  • Female: 35–114 mg/dL.
• Children 0–5 years old:
  • Male: 30–86 mg/dL.
  • Female: 32–99 mg/dL.

Triglycerides should be less than 400 mg/dL even when you are not fasting.

What do the results mean?

Results that are within the reference ranges are considered normal. Total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels that are higher than the reference ranges can mean that you have an increased risk for heart disease. An HDL level that is lower than the reference range can also indicate an increased risk.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• The lipid profile test can be used to help predict the likelihood that you will develop heart disease. It can also help monitor your cholesterol levels during treatment.
• A lipid profile measures your total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol to HDL ratio, and triglycerides.
• Total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels that are higher than the reference ranges can indicate an increased risk for heart disease.
• An HDL level that is lower than the reference range can indicate an increased risk for heart disease.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.