Lipid Profile Lab Test Information
Test 303756
Cardiovascular Tests & Screens
Lipid Panel – Cardiovascular Health (LP)
Cholesterol, Total is a fatty substance that travels in the blood to all parts of the body. Not only is it part of the cell membranes but it is also involved in the production of vitamin D, estrogen, testosterone, and bile acids to aid in the digestion of fats. Total cholesterol is a sum of HDL, LDL, VLDL, and Triglycerides. Elevated total cholesterol is associated with an increasing risk of coronary heart disease.
HDL Cholesterol (High-density lipoprotein) HDL cholesterol is known as the \"good\" cholesterol because a high level of HDL cholesterol seems to have a protective effect. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is passed from the body. Some experts believe that excess cholesterol is removed by HDL, thus slowing build-up. Therefore, low HDL cholesterol levels may result in a greater risk for heart disease. Low HDL could have genetic origins, or be the result of smoking and lack of exercise.
LDL Cholesterol (Low-density lipoprotein) is known as \"bad cholesterol”, since it can slowly build up in the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain, and form plaque that can clog those arteries causing a heart attack, or a stroke. Recent studies revealed that elevated LDL cholesterol is a major factor in the development of heart disease. Thus, the lower your LDL cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart disease.
VLDL Cholesterol (Very Low-density lipoprotein) VLDL is derived from the liver and carries triglycerides from the liver to other tissues. LDL is formed from VLDL. Normal VLDL levels are 25% to 50% of total cholesterol. Higher amounts are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL.
Improvement in cholesterol/HDL ratio can be shown by lowering LDL cholesterol level, while raising HDL level. HDL levels can be raised significantly by exercising, not smoking and leanness. Exercising regularly may also lower LDL cholesterol.
Triglyceride is responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body. Calories ingested in a meal and not used immediately by these cells are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells to be stored. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from fat tissue so they meet the body\'s needs for energy between meals. Being overweight, drinking a lot of alcohol, or having diabetes can cause high triglyceride levels. Most body fat comes in the form of triglyceride.
You can use our Lab Test Locator to find a testing lab near you
by clicking here
Notes: The Lipid Profile
medical lab tests provided by YourLabTest.com are performed by
US certified laboratories who operate patient service centers
in most cities in the United States. Once your Lipid Profile
lab test specimens are taken your lab results are available in
24 to 48 hours. One of our physicians will be sending the results
to you directly.
|
Popular Lab Tests