LIPID PROFILE
A lipid profile, also known as a lipid panel or cholesterol test, measures the levels of fats in your blood. It's a key diagnostic tool that helps assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.
What it measures
Total cholesterol
- The total amount of cholesterol in your blood
LDL (bad) cholesterol
- The main source of cholesterol buildup in your arteries
HDL (good) cholesterol
- Helps remove LDL from your blood
Triglycerides
- Another type of fat in your blood
VLDL
- Moves triglycerides from your liver to other cells
Why get a lipid profile? To evaluate your cardiovascular health, To monitor your cholesterol level, To monitor your body's response to treatment, and To help diagnose other medical conditions.
How to prepare for a lipid profile
- You'll usually need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before having this test
- This means not eating any food and drinking only water
What to do with the results
- Talk about the results of your lipid profile test with your doctor
- Use the results to take preventive measures before the problem arises