Lipid profile test is used to check the fat and cholesterol levels in the body. It is also called cholesterol test. With its help, one can get information about the development of symptoms of heart disease and stroke.

Unhealthy lifestyle and irregular diet can increase the risk of heart related problems. The biggest reason for this is the increase in bad cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol that the body gets through food sources – one is HDL cholesterol which benefits the body, and the other is LDL, which starts causing heart diseases. Lipid profile is a measure to check cholesterol level. Through lipid profile test, it is known how much fat is present in your cholesterol. Let us know in detail how it is done (lipid profile test procedure), when it is done (lipid profile time) and how it is helpful in preventing heart diseases (lipid profile test to prevent heart disease).

What is lipid profile test?

According to the National Institute of Health, the help of lipid profile test is taken to check the level of fat and cholesterol in the body. It is also called cholesterol test. With its help, one can get information about the development of symptoms of heart disease and stroke. In fact, increased levels of lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. Due to this, blood circulation decreases, which increases the risk of heart disease.

Increased levels of lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Why is lipid profile test important?

In this regard, Dr. Bilal Thangal TM says that heart disease is emerging as a major cause of death globally. India is also facing this serious crisis. In fact, heart disease accounts for nearly a quarter of all deaths. According to the World Health Organization, 17.9 million people are dying annually due to heart disease. Due to the increasing incidence of heart attacks in young adults, early detection of the problem is necessary. Early screening is essential to face this challenge.

Early screening helps one understand the lipid profile and other preventive measures. This can completely identify the initial stages of the problem and also helps in treatment. This may reduce the risk of heart attack.

Who should get a lipid profile test done?

According to the American Heart Institute, people 20 years of age or older must get a lipid profile test done. Apart from this, it should be repeated every 4 to 6 years. This helps in prevention of heart diseases. Especially those people whose family has suffered from familial hypercholesterolemia, they should also get this test done.

When and how is lipid profile test done (lipid profile test procedure)

Lipid profile test is done after 12 hours of fasting. With its help one can get information about cholesterol and fat levels in the body. Lipid profile test is done in the morning on an empty stomach. People suffering from high blood pressure and cholesterol are suggested to get this test done.

What is an ideal lipid profile?

The cholesterol range during testing should be less than 200 milligrams per decimeter. Whereas the range of HDL cholesterol should be more than 60 mg per decimeter and LDL should be less than 100 mg per decimeter. The amount of triglycerides should be less than 150 mg per decimetre.

Lipid profile test proves helpful in preventing serious heart diseases in these 4 ways (Benefits of lipid profile test)

1. Early detection of heart diseases

With the help of this test the risk of stroke and heart disease can be reduced. Through this test, information about high levels of HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol or triglycerides is available to prevent heart attack cases, which are increasing globally. Lipid levels can be detected through lipid profile test. This can prevent heart diseases.

2. Information about other health problems

With the help of regular monitoring of lipid profile, information about diseases related to hypertension, diabetes, liver and pancreas is available. This test evaluates the levels of lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. By getting information about heart diseases as well as other diseases, their treatment becomes possible.

There is a risk of LDL cholesterol due to familial hypercholesterolemia in the family. Image: Adobe Stock

3. Genetic disorders can be detected

In many cases, genetic diseases start causing abnormal lipid profile. There is a risk of LDL cholesterol due to familial hypercholesterolemia in the family. Apart from this, heart related problems at young age indicate this. This can be detected with the help of lipid profile.

4. Helpful in adopting healthy lifestyle

This test is recommended for people who are overweight, alcoholic, diabetic, thyroid and PCOS. Apart from this, people adopting sedentary lifestyle should also get this test done. This leads to improvement in lifestyle and helps in bringing changes in unhealthy lifestyle.