Lipoproteins Test-Why am I having this test?

Lipoproteins are substances that move cholesterol and fats through the bloodstream. You may have the lipoproteins test to evaluate your risk for developing heart disease.

What is being tested?

This test measures lipoproteins in your blood. Lipoproteins transport cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats to and from your tissues and your liver. There are three main types of lipoproteins:

• High-density lipoproteins (HDL). This is sometimes called “good cholesterol.” Having high levels of HDL decreases your risk for heart disease.
• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is sometimes called “bad cholesterol.” Having high levels of LDL increases your risk for heart disease.
• Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). A high level of VLDL also increases your risk for heart disease.

The lipoproteins test may measure one, two, or all three of these lipoproteins. When all types of lipoproteins are measured together, the test is called a lipid profile test.

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 or by sticking a finger with a small needle.

How do I prepare for this test?

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking restrictions before the test. You may need to stop eating and drinking everything except water starting 12–14 hours before the test.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• 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 how much of each lipoprotein is in your blood. This is usually given as milligrams of lipoprotein per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

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:

• HDL:
  • Male: greater than 45 mg/dL.
  • Female: greater than 55 mg/dL.
• LDL:
  • Adult: less than 130 mg/dL.
  • Children: less than 110 mg/dL.
• VLDL: 7–32 mg/dL.

The VLDL result may also be given as a percentage of total cholesterol. VLDL levels that are higher than 25–50% of total cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

What do the results mean?

Your HDL results will be used to describe your risk for heart disease as low, moderate, or high.

• You are at low risk for heart disease if your HDL result is:
  • Men: greater than 60 mg/dL.
  • Women: greater than 70 mg/dL.
• You are at moderate risk for heart disease if your HDL result is:
  • Men: 45–59 mg/dL.
  • Women: 55–69 mg/dL.
• You are at high risk for heart disease if your HDL result is:
  • Men: 25–44 mg/dL.
  • Women: 35–54 mg/dL.

Having a low level of HDL along with an LDL level that is higher than 130 mg/dL also increases your risk for heart disease. Based on your risk for heart disease, your health care provider will determine a target LDL level for you.

• 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 less than 70 mg/dL.

A VLDL level that is higher than 32 mg/dL or above 25–50% of total cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease.

You may need to make lifestyle changes or take medicines to lower your LDL cholesterol and decrease your risk for heart disease.

Talk with your health care provider about your individual risk and 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

• Lipoproteins are substances that move cholesterol and fats through your bloodstream. The lipoproteins test helps evaluate your risk for developing heart disease.
• There are three main types of lipoproteins: high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).
• Having a high level of HDL and low levels of LDL and VLDL decreases your risk for heart disease.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.