Lipid Profile

What is a lipid profile?

A lipid profile is a combination of blood tests performed to check the cholesterol levels and the level of triglycerides in the blood. These are nothing but fat content present in your bloodstream. Unhealthy levels of lipids can clog your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. These are also responsible for unhealthy weight gain.

How prevalent is the issue of high cholesterol in India?

High cholesterol is a major lifestyle disease prevalent in India. It is a precursor to a number of fatal conditions. Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance present in the blood. Our body requires some amount of cholesterol for critical functions such as digestion, hormone synthesis, and vitamin D absorption. But if the levels increase beyond a certain threshold, it can turn chronic and inflammatory.

As per the latest statistics, every 33 seconds one person dies due to a heart attack in India. It has been observed that with every 40 point increase in cholesterol levels, the risk death by heart attack (in young demography) increases by 200%. Currently, almost 75% of Indians have unhealthy cholesterol levels and roughly 72% have low levels of healthy cholesterol.

What is the cost of lipid profile test in India?

In India, the complete lipid profile can cost anywhere between Rs 900-1100/-. The cost may vary depending on the diagnostic center.

How is a lipid profile test performed?

– The blood sample for lipid profile is collected by drawing a small amount of blood from your arm.
– The pathologist will clean a small area on your arm with an antiseptic solution, locate a vein close to the surface of the skin, and insert a syringe to draw blood.
– This is a relatively quick and painless procedure.
– Once the blood sample has been collected, the puncture on the skin will be cleaned and covered with a bandage.
– This is a routine out-patient procedure which means you can go back home once the blood sample is taken.
– Ensure that on and before the day of the test you have followed all the preparation steps correctly.

Do I need to fast before undergoing lipid profile?

Yes, you should ideally fast 12-14 hours (overnight fasting) before the test. Ensure that the last meal you consume before the test is not too oily and fatty. There are several sources that say that fasting is not a mandate, which is partly correct. Fasting is advised so that a more accurate cholesterol reading is obtained.

Are there any risks associated with a lipid profile test?

Lipid profile is a simple and painless procedure that takes not more than a few seconds. It usually causes no side-effects. There might be a slight bump or reddish coloration of skin at the site of syringe insertion. This generally goes away within a day.

What critical information can a lipid profile provide?

In all the above cases, except HDL, the lower the value of the reading the better.
– Total cholesterol above 240 mg/dL doubles the risk of a heart attack.
– If you have LDL reading in the range 100-129 mg/dL, it is considered near-optimal. However, you must keep your cholesterol count in check and get this test done regularly.
– In the case of HDL, having a higher number indicates a healthier factor. HDL is the good cholesterol and it helps in flushing out LDL cholesterol from the body. If you have HDL count < 40 mg/dL, it increases your risk of a heart attack.
– There are cases where the triglyceride level can increase beyond 500 mg/dL.
– In most cases, high triglycerides levels are because of unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, etc.
– Certain medications such as steroids can also lead to elevated triglycerides. This means you need to make necessary changes in your lifestyle in the long run.

What are the normal lipid ranges for children and teens?

This table demonstrates the different ranges of lipid components as observed in case of children and teens:

My lipid profile results are abnormal. What should I do?

Don’t jump into making dietary and medication changes, in case you have abnormal lipid levels, without consulting your doctor. These tables provide a general range of what is considered healthy and unhealthy.You need to discuss your lipid profile in detail with your doctor and then follow the cholesterol-lowering protocol carefully.Your cholesterol numbers alone cannot provide a complete picture. The doctor needs to take into account the risk factors associated with your body before coming up with a treatment plan.

How often should I get my cholesterol levels checked?

If you are an adult above the age of 20, you should get your lipid profile test done once every five years. In case, you fall in 1 or more risk pool such as a family history of heart disease, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, etc you might require more frequent lipid profile tests. Above the age of 40, you should get this test and check-up done once a year.

How can I maintain healthy cholesterol levels?

Inclusion of the following habits in your daily living, in the long run, can help you control your cholesterol levels:
– Consume a heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering diet. Include fatty fish, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your every meal.
– Indulge in regular aerobic exercises. These tend to increase your HDL level and bring down LDL level.
– Your doctor might prescribe you a few medications such as statins, niacin, and fibrates.
– You need to quit unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking, and excessive consumption of fatty/sugary food.
– Follow up with your doctor regularly and get further lipid profile tests done to determine whether these steps are working in your favor.