The lipid profile is used to assess the risk of developing a heart disease and to monitor its treatment. Lipids are fats and fat-like substances which are important constituents of cells and are rich sources of energy. It is necessary to monitor and maintain healthy levels of these lipids to stay healthy. The results of the lipid profile are evaluated along with other known risk factors associated with heart disease to plan and monitor treatment. Treatment options like lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise or lipid-lowering medications such as statins may be considered depending on the values of the lipid profile. A lipid profile typically includes total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), chylomicrons, triglycerides, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), Cholesterol/HDL ratio. Total cholesterol is the measure of all the cholesterol in all the lipoprotein particles. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called as good cholesterol measures all the cholesterol in HDL particles. HDL cholesterol removes all the excess cholesterol by carrying it to the liver. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called bad cholesterol as it contributes to atherosclerosis. Usually, the amount of LDL is calculated with the results of total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Triglycerides measures all the triglycerides in all the lipoprotein particles, most is in the very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is calculated from triglycerides, based on the typical composition of VLDL particles. Cholesterol/HDL ratio also calculated as a part of lipid profile. The test for total cholesterol is used alone or in combination with other tests of lipid profile to predict the risk of developing a heart disease and to monitor its treatment. High blood cholesterol is associated with heart disease, atherosclerosis and/or increased risk of death due to heart attacks. Hence total cholesterol testing is considered as a routine screening test. Total cholesterol test results, other parameters of lipid profile and risk factors of heart disease are important to plan treatment and follow-up. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) test is used as part of a lipid profile to assess the risk of heart diseases and to monitor its treatment. LDL is not measured directly but is calculated from the results of total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides. This calculation is accurate in most of the cases but becomes inaccurate when triglycerides are high (i.e., > 400 mg/dL). In such cases, LDL is to be measured directly.

1. What is the plan of treatment if lipid levels are unhealthy?

Lifestyle modifications are necessary to maintain healthy lipid levels. A diet low in saturated fat and trans unsaturated fats, avoiding smoking, controlling hypertension and diabetes, and moderate exercise. Drug therapy may be initiated on the basis of the results of the lipid profile.

2. Is lipid profile necessary in a person with total cholesterol levels less than 200 mg/dL on screening?

If the total cholesterol is below 200 mg/dl and there is no family history of heart disease or other risk factors, a complete lipid profile is not required. However, an HDL cholesterol test is important to ruleout low HDL.

3. What is a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) test?

The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) test is used as part of a lipid profile to assess the risk of heart diseases and to monitor its treatment. LDL is not measured directly but is calculated from the results of total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides. This calculation is accurate in most of the cases but becomes inaccurate when triglycerides are high (i.e., > 400 mg/dL). In such cases, LDL is to measured directly.

4. What is LDL-P test?

LDL-P test measures the number of LDL particles, rather than measuring the amount of LDL-cholesterol. The number of LDL particles, and their size, is an additional factor to consider when determining the risk for cardiovascular diseases.