What is Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile Test)?

Cholesterol and triglycerides are the types of fats that are critical for the body’s functioning. However, when they accumulate in the bloodstream, they can pose serious health risks.

Such buildup is often associated with the development of blocked and inflamed arteries, which can ultimately lead to cardiovascular diseases. To proactively manage and address these concerns, it’s essential to undergo a cholesterol test known as a lipid panel check.

What is a lipid profile test?

The lipid panel test, also known as a cholesterol blood test or lipid profile, is a comprehensive diagnostic tool used to measure the levels of various cholesterol and fats in the blood. It provides a detailed lipid profile analysis, helping healthcare professionals accurately assess a person’s heart disease risk.

What is the importance of a test for blood cholesterol?

Having extremely low levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, hemorrhagic stroke, and cancer.

Conversely, high cholesterol levels contribute to excess cholesterol buildup as plaque in the arteries over time. This buildup narrows the arteries, reduces blood flow, and leads to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis, and peripheral artery disease.

The cholesterol blood test, or lipid profile check, is important. It is used to assess the risk of heart disease. Also, it screens for genetic lipid disorders like familial hypercholesterolemia, which can make individuals more prone to early-onset cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, a cholesterol test also assists healthcare providers in taking appropriate steps to bring one’s cholesterol to normal levels if high. This may include adjusting medications, making dietary changes, managing stress, and addressing other relevant lifestyle factors.

What does the lipid profile test measure?

A lipid profile checks different fats and cholesterol levels in the blood. It has four main components:

Total cholesterol: This is the overall quantity of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL): LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol. High amounts of LDL can build up in the arteries as plaque if left unchecked. Too much plaque buildup restricts blood flow and increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL): HDL is called the “good” type. HDL cholesterol works to remove excess LDL from the arteries and transport it back to the liver for processing. Higher HDL levels are generally better for cardiovascular health as they help clear blood vessels.
Triglycerides: Triglycerides represent another form of fat carried in the bloodstream. The body converts excess calories it does not need immediately into triglycerides, which get stored in fat cells. High triglyceride levels have been linked to factors like being overweight, eating lots of sugar/alcohol, smoking, lack of exercise, and diabetes.

To get this lipid profile test done, one must fast for a minimum of 12 hours before the test. They cannot have anything but water during this duration.

How do you interpret lipid profile test results?

The following table shows the recommended normal blood cholesterol levels across various age groups.

Cholesterol Type	Women age 20 or older	Men age 20 or older	Anyone age 19 or younger
Total cholesterol	125 to 200 mg/dL	125 to 200 mg/dL	Less than 170 mg/dL
Non-HDL	Less than 130 mg/dL	Less than 130 mg/dL	Less than 120 mg/dL
LDL	Less than 100 mg/dL	Less than 100 mg/dL	Less than 100 mg/dL
HDL	50 mg/dL or higher	40 mg/dL or higher	More than 45 mg/dL

The tables below denote high blood cholesterol levels in adolescents and adults.

For anyone younger than 19 years:

Type of cholesterol	Borderline high	High
Total cholesterol	170–199 mg/dl	200 mg/dl or above
LDL	100–129 mg/dl	130 mg/dl or above

For adults who are 20 years and above:

Type of cholesterol	Borderline high	High
Total cholesterol	200–239 mg/dl	240 mg/dl or above
LDL	130–159 mg/dl	160–189 mg/dl

Also, triglyceride levels below 150 mg/dl are considered normal in adults. However, they are classified as high if they fall within the 200 to 499 mg/dL range.

How often should a person get a lipid profile test done?

Getting a lipid profile test depends on factors like age, existing risk factors, and family history of high cholesterol or heart disease. Here are some general recommendations:

Ages 9-19 – Screening begins between ages 9-11 and should be repeated every 5 years. However, in cases of a family history of high cholesterol, heart attack, or stroke, testing may start as early as age 2.
Ages 20-65 – Young adults must undertake a lipid panel check every five years. Subsequently, those between 55-65 (women) and 45-65 (men) should be screened every 1-2 years.
Age 65 and above – Older adults should have their cholesterol checked annually, as they face a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues as they age.

Cholesterol testing is a vital component of preventive healthcare. For high cholesterol concerns, a person must book a lipid profile test after consulting their doctor. This test covers total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL levels. It allows them to assess their cholesterol level and take the necessary steps.