Book Lipid Profile Test

Usually, a lipid profile test is needed to check:

• Total cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood.
• The extent of risk for cardiovascular disease.
• To evaluate the success of treatment while on a lipid-lowering plan.
• Drug effectiveness.

Below are the symptoms that make your doctor advise you a lipid profile test:

• Hypertension, or high blood pressure
• Regular chest pain or fullness around the chest
• Adamant upper back pain
• Regular heartburn or indigestion
• Breathlessness
• Jaw pain, toothache, and/or headache
• Recovering from a heart attack
• Regular smoking and/or drinking

There are four types of fats in the blood that get calculated in a lipid profile test:

• Triglycerides: Calories that your body doesn’t require get converted into triglycerides and stored in your fat cells.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Also known as good cholesterol as it helps remove the bad one.
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): It is the bad cholesterol that is responsible for fatty deposits in the arteries, making the body prone to stroke, heart attack, etc.
• Total Cholesterol: The total level of cholesterol, good and bad, in your blood.

For a total lipid profile test, it is advised not to eat and drink (except water) anything for 12 hours before taking the test. In case you are on any medications, like birth control pills, your doctor may advise you to stop taking them a couple of days before taking the test as they increase the level of cholesterol.

A lipid profile is performed by collecting a small amount of blood through the veins via an injection. It is a quick and safe process taken at a hospital, laboratory, or clinic. Nowadays, home collection services are also available. A trained health professional will visit your home to collect your blood sample.

There is usually no side effect or risk involved in a lipid profile test. However, you should keep the following things in mind:

• As the blood will be drawn from the vein in the arm through an injection, you can expect a tinge of pain and bruise for a short period.
• Covering the patch with a cotton bud or a band aid will prevent any chance of infection.
• If you’re on fasting, it is best to eat or drink after giving the blood sample.
• Avoid lifting any heavy items for a few hours. You can take up all the normal tasks as soon as the bleeding stops.