Lipid Profile Test

The Lipid Profile Test is a comprehensive blood test that measures different forms of cholesterol and triglycerides, which are key markers of heart and vascular health. Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes and is required for making bile acids, vitamin D and steroid hormones such as cortisol, testosterone and estrogen. However, when certain cholesterol fractions are elevated, they can deposit in the walls of arteries and form plaques, gradually narrowing the blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

This profile measures Total Cholesterol, HDL (“good” cholesterol), LDL (“bad” cholesterol), Triglycerides and VLDL. Together, these values help doctors understand how fats are being transported in your bloodstream, whether there is an increased tendency to build plaques, and how effectively your lifestyle or medications are controlling lipid levels.

Doctors usually recommend a Lipid Profile for adults above 18 years, especially if there is a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or family history of heart disease. It is also used to monitor the effect of cholesterol-lowering diet, exercise, and medications such as statins.

A well-interpreted Lipid Profile plays a central role in preventive cardiology by identifying risk early and guiding timely interventions to protect your heart and blood vessels.

1. Total Cholesterol

• Measures the total amount of cholesterol in the blood.

• Includes LDL, HDL, VLDL and other fractions.

• High levels increase the risk of coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.

2. HDL Cholesterol – Direct

• High-Density Lipoprotein, known as “good” cholesterol.

• Helps remove excess cholesterol from artery walls and carries it back to the liver for excretion.

• Higher HDL levels are associated with lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

3. LDL Cholesterol – Direct

• Low-Density Lipoprotein, often called “bad” cholesterol.

• Deposits cholesterol in artery walls, contributing to plaque formation and blockage.

• Elevated LDL is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

4. Triglycerides

• A form of stored fat circulating in the blood.

• High levels often occur with obesity, diabetes, high-carb diets, excessive alcohol intake and physical inactivity.

• Elevated triglycerides are linked with ischemic heart disease and pancreatitis and often accompany low HDL and high LDL.

5. Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)

• Transports triglycerides from the liver to tissues.

• High VLDL levels indicate increased triglyceride-rich particles and contribute to plaque development.

• Considered atherogenic and associated with higher risk of coronary heart disease.