A vial of lipid profile, also known as a lipid panel, is a blood test that measures the levels of lipids (fats) in your blood. Lipids play an important role in your overall health and high or low levels can indicate certain medical conditions.
What Lipids are Measured in a Lipid Profile?
A standard lipid profile includes measurements of the following lipids:
- Total cholesterol – The total amount of cholesterol in your blood.
- HDL cholesterol – Often called “good” cholesterol, it carries cholesterol from tissues back to the liver.
- LDL cholesterol – Often called “bad” cholesterol, it carries cholesterol to tissues and can build up in arteries.
- Triglycerides – The main form of fat stored in the body.
A lipid profile may also include measurements of:
- Non-HDL cholesterol – Total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol. Gives an idea of the amount of atherogenic (artery-clogging) particles.
- VLDL cholesterol – Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Another type of “bad” cholesterol.
- Cholesterol/HDL ratio – Compares total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. Higher ratios increase heart disease risk.
Why is a Lipid Profile Done?
A lipid profile blood test is usually ordered to:
- Screen for risk of cardiovascular disease
- Monitor treatment if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides
- Investigate causes of pancreatitis
- Assess liver or kidney disorders that affect lipid levels
- Monitor lipid levels during pregnancy
By measuring the different lipids, your doctor can determine whether you have a desirable balance of lipids or if treatment may be needed to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and related conditions.
When is a Lipid Profile Ordered?
Guidelines recommend lipid testing for the following groups:
- All adults 20 years or older should have a lipid profile at least once every 5 years.
- Adults 40-75 years who are at higher risk for heart disease should have annual lipid profiles.
- Younger adults may need screening if they have other heart disease risk factors like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of early heart disease.
- Children and adolescents may need screening if they have a family history of inherited lipid disorders or conditions that increase heart disease risk.
In addition to general screening, your doctor may order a lipid test if you have symptoms or conditions associated with lipid disorders, such as:
- Chest pain, circulation problems, heart murmur
- Fatty skin deposits
- Pancreatitis symptoms
- Signs of stroke risk
- Obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome
Lipid panels are also often ordered as part of routine physical exams and pre-surgery screenings.
How Should I Prepare for a Lipid Blood Test?
No special preparation is needed for a lipid profile, but the following recommendations will help ensure accurate results:
- Fast for 9-12 hours before the test – Only water is allowed.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours preceding the test.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise immediately before the test.
- Inform your doctor of any medications, supplements, or health conditions that could impact results.
What Happens During a Lipid Profile Test?
During the test:
- A healthcare professional will clean an area on your arm and insert a needle into your vein to collect a blood sample.
- 1-2 tablespoons of blood are collected in tubes or vials.
- The puncture site is cleaned and bandaged.
- The entire process takes only a few minutes.
Do Abnormal Lipid Profile Results Always Mean I Have a Problem?
Not necessarily. Lipid levels normally vary by age, sex, and race. One abnormal test doesn’t always indicate a lipid disorder. Your doctor will interpret your results based on:
- Your individual risk factors for heart disease
- Repeated lipid profile results over time
- Your total cholesterol ratios and readings
- Other heart disease screening tests
If your lipid profile is abnormal, your doctor may recommend repeat testing and discuss diet, lifestyle changes, weight management, and medication if needed.
Desirable and High Lipid Levels
Reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories, but general guidelines for desirable and high lipid levels are:
| Lipid | Desirable Level | Borderline-High | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Below 200 mg/dL | 200-239 mg/dL | 240 mg/dL and above |
| HDL Cholesterol | Above 60 mg/dL | 40-59 mg/dL (men) 50-59 mg/dL (women) |
Below 40 mg/dL (men) Below 50 mg/dL (women) |
| LDL Cholesterol | Below 100 mg/dL | 100-159 mg/dL | 160 mg/dL and above |
| Triglycerides | Below 150 mg/dL | 150-199 mg/dL | 200 mg/dL and above |
What Do My Lipid Profile Results Mean?
The levels of different lipids and ratios between them can indicate various risks and conditions:
- Total and LDL cholesterol: Elevated levels may indicate higher risk of plaque buildup in arteries.
- HDL cholesterol: High levels are desirable and lower risk. Low HDL also raises risk of heart disease.
- Triglycerides: High triglycerides are linked to atherosclerosis, fatty liver, and pancreatitis. They often accompany obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, and excessive alcohol intake.
- Total/HDL ratio: Gives an assessment of heart disease risk. Ideal is below 5:1.
- Non-HDL cholesterol: Reflects the cholesterol content of all atherogenic lipoprotein particles. High levels increase cardiovascular risk.
However, no single value gives the full picture of heart disease risk. Your doctor will interpret the results in context of your medical history, blood pressure, blood sugar control, and other factors.
How is High Cholesterol Treated?
If you have high lipid levels, treatment will depend on your risk factors. Your doctor may recommend:
- Dietary changes: Limiting saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, simple sugars, and total calories. Increasing intake of fiber and heart-healthy fats.
- Exercise: Regular moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week.
- Weight loss: If overweight or obese, losing excess body weight through diet and exercise.
- Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking to reduce cardiovascular risks.
- Medications: Such as statins, fibrates, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, or niacin.
Diet and lifestyle changes should be made before considering cholesterol-lowering medications. Drugs may be prescribed if high lipid levels persist and you are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Bottom Line
A lipid profile blood test provides important information about your risk of cardiovascular and related diseases. Abnormal results do not always mean you need treatment, but maintaining healthy lipid levels through diet, exercise, not smoking, and medication if prescribed, can help reduce your risk of life-threatening complications.
Talk to your doctor about what your lipid panel results mean for your health. With lifestyle changes and ongoing monitoring, many people are able to achieve and maintain normal lipid levels.
