Lipid Profile (Cholesterol & Triglycerides)
A lipid profile measures the fats (lipids) in your blood: total cholesterol, 'good' HDL cholesterol, 'bad' LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides can gradually damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, usually without causing any symptoms.
At YGOPH, the lipid profile is mainly requested for women with high blood pressure, diabetes, overweight or polycystic ovary syndrome, for patients taking some long-term medicines such as certain HIV treatments, and for children from families with very high cholesterol or with kidney disease such as nephrotic syndrome. It is rarely needed during pregnancy, when lipid levels naturally rise.
What is a lipid profile?
After a period of fasting, a blood sample is analysed for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol is usually calculated from these values. HDL helps remove cholesterol from the arteries, so a higher level is better, whereas high LDL and triglycerides are harmful. Your doctor uses the results, together with your blood pressure, smoking status, age and any diabetes, to estimate your overall cardiovascular risk.
- High blood pressure, diabetes or overweight
- Polycystic ovary syndrome or a history of gestational diabetes
- Long-term treatment with medicines that can raise lipids
- A family history of very high cholesterol or early heart disease
- Children with nephrotic syndrome or other chronic conditions
- Monitoring cholesterol-lowering treatment
Good to know
Understanding the numbers
Results may be given in g/L or mmol/L. As a general guide for adults, a total cholesterol below 2.00 g/L (5.2 mmol/L) and triglycerides below 1.50 g/L (1.7 mmol/L) are considered desirable, but targets for LDL cholesterol depend on your personal risk. Your doctor will explain what your results mean for you.
Reducing your risk
Healthy eating with less fried food and sugar and more vegetables, fruit and whole grains, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and maintaining a healthy weight all improve lipid levels. When lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medicine.