Lipidogram – indications, course of examination, interpretation of results

Proven content

Lipidogram – also known as the lipid profile – is a test performed to check whether the lipid (fat) balance in our body is functioning properly. The analysis of the four basic parameters that determine the lipid profile – CHOL, HDL, LDL and TG – and other data, such as the atherogenicity index, helps in assessing the risk of serious cardiovascular disease. How is the lipid profile performed and how to interpret its results?

The body’s lipid balance

The body – as a “connected vessel system” – cannot function properly if one of its components is defective. The lipid metabolism and its balance turns out to be extremely important for our overall health. Lipids are an efficient source of energy – a large demand for these substances occurs in people in adolescence, as well as in adults who lead an active lifestyle or work physically. However, it should be remembered that it gradually decreases with age.

When the lipid metabolism (for various reasons) is disturbed, the risk of serious circulatory diseases, such as ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease) or atherosclerosis, increases. Elevated blood lipids are also often directly related to being overweight and obese.

Lipidogram – what is it?

A lipidogram is a test in which four basic parameters are determined:

1. LDL cholesterol (LDL-C, low-density lipoprotein fraction) – the so-called “bad cholesterol”. When it exceeds the appropriate values, it accumulates in the walls of the blood vessels, which leads to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
2. HDL cholesterol (HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein fraction) – the so-called “good cholesterol”. It prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels and supports the work of the circulatory system.
3. Total cholesterol (CHOL or TC). The total concentration of LDL and HDL cholesterol.
4. Triglycerides (TG or TAG). Too high concentration of these lipids can lead to cardiovascular disease, as well as the development of acute pancreatitis.

Moreover, the lipidogram shows the mutual relations and dependencies they show blood lipids – are the values ​​defined as index of atherogenicitysuch as, but not limited to:

1. the plasma index API (Atherogenic Index of Plasma – interrelationships of LDL, IDL, VLDL and HDL levels);
2. Castelli index (CHOL / HDL ratio)
3. LDL / HDL ratio;
4. ratio of apoliprotein B to apoliprotein AI (ApoB / ApoA-I)
5. LDL-ApoB ratio.

The lipid profile is performed to determine the level of individual lipids and the relationship between them, and then – on this basis – to implement appropriate treatment or prophylactic measures. A lipidogram is a screening test used primarily in assessing the risk of developing diseases such as:

1. atherosclerosis;
2. coronary artery disease;
3. myocardial infarction;
4. stroke;
5. adhesive atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities.

You can already determine your lipid profile without leaving your home. Order LipidPro – apparatus for lipid profile determination + strips.

The rest of the text is below the video.

Lipidogram – when to do the test?

Who should check their lipid profile? Cholesterol testing it is recommended for all women over 45 and men over 35. After the age of 50, it is recommended to repeat the test every two years, and if the results are elevated – every year. People taking medications to lower cholesterol should have their lipid profile checked even more often: preferably every six months.

On Medonet Market you will find test packages for women (Women’s health check – diagnostic blood tests) and for men (Prophylactic blood tests for men), in which the lipid profile is also determined.

However, it is worth taking care of your health much earlier. The first lipid profile can be performed around the age of 20, and subsequent ones – repeated every 5 years. Is it worth it? Absolutely: it is one of the basic diagnostic tests. If any abnormalities are detected early, appropriate treatment can be implemented faster and more effectively. As a result, the blood vessels will be less exposed to the adverse effects of high cholesterol.

Swoj profile lipidowyregardless of age, they should also constantly monitor:

1. overweight and obese people;
2. people leading a less active lifestyle;
3. people suffering from diabetes, chronic kidney disease and chronic inflammatory diseases;
4. patients suffering from arterial hypertension;
5. heavy smokers;
6. people with a genetic predisposition to hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular diseases (when cases of these diseases had previously appeared in family members).

Lipidogram – preparation for the examination

The lipidogram is determined on the basis of a venous blood sample, which is most often collected from a vein in the elbow flexion. The test is always performed in the morning, usually between 7:00 and 10:00. The patient should present for the examination on an empty stomach – preferably, it should be about 13-14 hours from the last meal to the collection of the blood sample. Before the examination itself, you should rest in a sitting position for several minutes.

For a few days before examining the lipidogram (minimum 2-3), you should also give up alcohol completely. On the eve of the examination, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and stressful situations.

Check what a cholesterol lowering diet should look like

Lipidogram – norms

What values ​​should the lipid profile take? Standards for a healthy person, regardless of gender, are as follows:

1. total cholesterol (TC): 150-190 mg / dL;
2. LDL cholesterol (LDL-C): less than 115 mg / dL,
3. triglycerides (TG): 35-150 mg / dL.

As for HDL cholesterol fraction values (HDL-C, “good cholesterol”), the correct values ​​- determined not by the upper limit but by the lower limit – are different for men and women:

1. in women – over 50 mg / dl
2. in men – over 40 mg / dl.

By analyzing index of atherogenicity, Castelli’s index should normally take the following values:

1. in healthy women – less than 4,0;
2. in women after a myocardial infarction – less than 3,0;
3. in healthy men – less than 4,5;
4. in men after a myocardial infarction – less than 3,5.

Lipidogram – interpretation of results

Lipid profile and its results help in the diagnosis of numerous diseases and allow for appropriate treatment or further diagnostic tests. What can they testify to abnormal results of the lipid profile?

If the lipidogram shows elevated levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, this may indicate:

1. inappropriate lifestyle – too low level of physical activity, poor diet with lots of animal fats and simple carbohydrates;
2. Hypothyroidism;
3. liver disease;
4. chronic kidney disease and other renal conditions;
5. genetic predisposition to elevated cholesterol.

The high value of this index may also result from other factors, such as the use of hormonal contraception or therapy with the use of glucocorticosteroids.

In the case of total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol low scores are most welcome. However, it may happen that their values ​​are too low, which is usually related to:

1. malnutrition;
2. wasting of the body as a result of other diseases and related treatment;
3. cirrhosis of the liver;
4. overactive thyroid gland.

At elevated levels of triglycerides the problem may be:

1. improper diet and lack of physical activity;
2. inflammation of the pancreas;
3. kidney failure;
4. Hypothyroidism;
5. diabetes;
6. obesity;
7. insulin resistance;
8. genetic predisposition to elevated triglyceride levels.

Lipidogram – price

The lipidogram is not an expensive test. In its standard version, when the test includes the determination of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides, it usually costs from 5 to 10 Euro. The test can also be performed at the National Health Fund with a referral from a doctor – then it is free. The lipidogram is also often included basic diagnostic test packages performed by laboratories. At Medonet Market you can buy, for example, a preventive examination package – blood tests with a lipid profile as one of the tests.

Lipidogram – FAQs

The content of the Healthy-Food website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.