This post was written by Ann Vick, MLS(ASCP)Ccm, lab specialist, chemistry, Parkview Health.
Bloodwork can provide valuable information about your current health and your risk of developing future illnesses. A lipid profile is a set of tests that can be requested without a physician’s order, and offer more insights into your physical health.
Outlining the Lipid Profile
A lipid profile is used to monitor and screen for risk of cardiovascular disease and includes:
- Cholesterol is a type of fat produced in small quantities in the liver and absorbed in larger quantities from the consumption of fatty foods. It serves the important job of building cells in the body but is needed only in small amounts to fulfill this purpose. Elevated levels of cholesterol are associated with the development of coronary disease, arteriosclerosis and heart attack. High cholesterol is also related to diabetes and high blood pressure. Foods that tend to raise cholesterol levels include deep-fried foods, meats high in saturated fats and high-fat treats. A cholesterol value of greater than 200 mg/dl is considered elevated and should be discussed with your provider.
- Triglycerides are a type of fat absorbed from the food we eat. Elevated levels of triglycerides are associated with cardiovascular disease and inflammation of the pancreas, the part of your body that produces insulin. A triglyceride value greater than 150 mg/dl is considered elevated and should be discussed with your provider.
- High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol, commonly known as the “good” cholesterol, picks up LDL cholesterol and transports it for removal from the body. The higher the HDL value, the lower the risk of developing coronary disease, arteriosclerosis, and heart attack.
- Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol, commonly known as the “bad” cholesterol, picks up cholesterol and moves it to the cells of the body for storage. Desirable LDL levels are less than 130 mg/dl. The higher the LDL value, the greater the risk of developing coronary disease, arteriosclerosis, and heart attack.
- Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is a mathematical calculation used to predict an increased or decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. The higher the ratio, the greater the risk of developing coronary disease, arteriosclerosis, and heart attack.
For a deeper dive, check out these blog posts:
Understanding cholesterol Pt. 1
Understanding cholesterol Pt. 2
Controlling your cholesterol Pt. 1
Controlling your cholesterol Pt. 2
Do I have to be fasting to get a lipid profile?
Although not required, fasting for 10-12 hours is recommended before getting your lipid profile collected. This means not eating or drinking anything except water. If your provider offers specific instructions about fasting, it’s important to follow those directions. You should tell your provider if you were fasting or not when discussing your lipid profile results so that they can be interpreted accurately.
Early intervention for high cholesterol
High cholesterol levels lead to fatty plaques being deposited in your blood vessels. Over time, these plaques can cause blockages in the blood vessels. While this is happening inside your body, there are no specific outward symptoms that indicate when this is beginning to occur. Regular screening is suggested so that elevated cholesterol levels can be identified before you experience symptoms.
How to lower your lipids
If your lab results indicate that you do have high cholesterol, you can work with your care team to develop a treatment plan. Generally speaking, the following will have a positive impact on your lipid panel:
- Regular exercise can lower triglycerides and boost "good" cholesterol.
- Avoid foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and foods made with white flour or fructose, can increase triglycerides.
- Decrease the number of calories that you eat. Extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. Reducing your calories will reduce triglycerides.
- Choose healthier fats. Trade saturated fat found in meats for healthier fat found in plants, such as olive and canola oils. Instead of red meat, try fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Avoid trans fats or foods with hydrogenated oils or fats.
- Limit how much alcohol you drink. Alcohol is high in calories and sugar which will increase your triglyceride levels.
If these diet and behavior modifications do not help lower your lipid levels, your provider may recommend the use of a lipid-lowering medication.
Learn more about how to complete Direct Access Testing by visiting us here. To schedule a visit with a cardiologist, call 260-264-0553, or learn more about the Lipid Clinic at Parkview Heart Institute here.
