Lipid profile test

For example, low-density lipoprotein ( Triglycerides are another fat that doctors measure with cholesterol testing. High levels can raise your chances of having a The American Cholesterol Tests: The Good, the Bad, and the Fatty The different kinds of cholesterol and other fats in your blood are together called lipids. Doctors measure and diagnose lipid problems with a simple blood test. Some doctors ask you to In particular, some doctors are especially interested in “non-fasting” triglyceride levels, but it is not yet clear how this helps calculate risk for heart disease and other cholesterol-related illnesses. Ask your health care provider if you need to fast for your test. A lipid profile usually gives results for four different types: • Total cholesterol • LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad cholesterol" • HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good cholesterol" • Some lipid panels can give even more detailed information, like the presence and sizes of various fat particles in your blood. Researchers are looking into what, if any, effect these traits have on heart disease. There are no clear guidelines on when this more advanced testing is needed. Your Cholesterol Test Results Once you've had your test, what do the numbers mean? For total cholesterol: • 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or less is normal. • 201 to 240 mg/dL is borderline. • More than 240 mg/dL is high. For HDL ("good cholesterol"), more is better: • 60 mg/dL or higher is good -- it protects against...

Lipid Profile • Care notes • • • • What is a lipid profile? A lipid profile, or lipid panel, is a blood test to check your lipid levels. Lipids are fats that cannot dissolve in blood. High lipid levels increase your risk for heart disease and a heart attack or stroke. A lipid profile includes the following: • Total cholesterol is the main number used for cholesterol values. • Goal: Less than 200 mg/dL • Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL • High: 240 mg/dL or higher • LDL (bad) cholesterol carries cholesterol and deposits it in the arteries. This can cause a blockage. • Goal: 100 mg/dL or lower • Near goal: 100 to 129 mg/dL • Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL • High: 160 to 189 mg/dL • Very high: 190 mg/dL or higher • HDL (good) cholesterol removes cholesterol from your body. • Goal: 60 mg/dL or higher • Borderline risk: 40 to 59 mg/dL • High risk: 40 mg/dL or lower • Triglycerides are a different kind of fat than cholesterol. • Goal: 150 mg/dL or lower • Borderline high: 150 to 199 mg/dL • High: 200 to 499 mg/dL • Very high: 500 mg/dL or higher How do I prepare for the test? Do not eat or drink anything, except water, for 12 to 14 hours before the test. Ask your healthcare provider if you should take your medicines on the day of your test. What do I need to know about my test results? Your healthcare provider will discuss your test results with you. If your test results are abnormal, you may need treatment to decrease your risk for heart disease. Care Agreement You have the...

Generally you're required to fast, consuming no food or liquids other than water, for nine to 12 hours before the test. Some cholesterol tests don't require fasting, so follow your doctor's instructions. Interpreting the numbers In the United States, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. In Canada and many European countries, cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). To interpret your test results, use these general guidelines. Total cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) Total cholesterol* (Canada and most of Europe) Results *Canadian and European guidelines differ slightly from U.S. guidelines. These conversions are based on U.S. guidelines. Below 200 mg/dL Below 5.2 mmol/L Desirable 200-239 mg/dL 5.2-6.2 mmol/L Borderline high 240 mg/dL and above Above 6.2 mmol/L High LDL cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) LDL cholesterol* (Canada and most of Europe) Results *Canadian and European guidelines differ slightly from U.S. guidelines. These conversions are based on U.S. guidelines. Below 70 mg/dL Below 1.8 mmol/L Best for people who have coronary artery disease — including a history of heart attacks, angina, stents or coronary bypass. Below 100 mg/dL Below 2.6 mmol/L Optimal for people at risk of coronary artery disease or who have diabetes. Near optimal for people with uncomplicated coronary artery disease. 100-129 mg/dL 2.6-3.3 mmol/L Near optimal if there is no coronary artery di...