A lipid profile is a blood test that measures fats in your blood. It helps your doctor understand your risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.
What does a lipid profile include?
A standard lipid profile usually shows:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
- HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
- Triglycerides
- VLDL cholesterol
- Ratios, such as total cholesterol to HDL
Some reports also show non-HDL cholesterol, which is total cholesterol minus HDL.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy fat. Your body needs some of it to make cells and hormones. Your liver makes most of it, and the rest comes from food.
Problems start when there is too much of the wrong type. Extra LDL can build up in the walls of blood vessels and form plaque. Over time this can narrow the arteries and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Normal ranges (adults)
These ranges are based on widely used guidelines (similar to NCEP ATP III). All values are in mg/dL.
Total cholesterol
- Desirable: below 200
- Borderline high: 200 to 239
- High: 240 or above
LDL cholesterol
- Optimal: below 100
- Near optimal: 100 to 129
- Borderline high: 130 to 159
- High: 160 to 189
- Very high: 190 or above
HDL cholesterol
- Low (higher risk): below 40 in men, below 50 in women
- Good (protective): 60 or above
Triglycerides
- Normal: below 150
- Borderline high: 150 to 199
- High: 200 to 499
- Very high: 500 or above
Ranges and targets differ a little between labs and guidelines. Always use the reference range printed on your report. People with diabetes, heart disease or other risks may be given lower LDL targets by their doctor.
LDL: the "bad" cholesterol
LDL carries cholesterol to the arteries. High LDL is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. Lower is generally better, and your doctor will set a target based on your overall risk.
HDL: the "good" cholesterol
HDL helps remove extra cholesterol from the blood and take it back to the liver. Higher HDL is generally better. Regular exercise and not smoking can help support healthy HDL.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat. They rise after meals, especially meals high in sugar, refined flour, fried food or alcohol. High triglycerides are common in people with diabetes, belly fat or high alcohol intake. Very high levels can also affect the pancreas.
How to prepare for the test
- Many labs advise 10 to 12 hours of fasting (khali pet) before a lipid profile. Plain water is allowed.
- Avoid a very oily or heavy dinner the night before.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.
- Continue your regular medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Some doctors now accept non-fasting lipid tests. Follow the instructions given for your test.
Simple ways to support healthy cholesterol
- Walk or exercise for about 30 minutes most days
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, dal, oats and whole grains
- Reduce fried food, sweets, bakery items and maida
- Choose cooking oils wisely and use less of them
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol
- Keep a healthy weight, especially around the waist
If your doctor prescribes medicine, take it as advised and do not stop it on your own.
How often should you test?
Many adults are advised a lipid profile every few years from their 20s, and more often after 40 or if they have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking or a family history of heart disease. Your doctor will tell you what is right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is total cholesterol of 210 high?
A total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL is in the borderline high range. Your doctor will look at your LDL, HDL, triglycerides and other risk factors before deciding what to do.
Can thin people have high cholesterol?
Yes. Cholesterol depends on genes, diet and lifestyle, not only weight. Thin people can also have high LDL or triglycerides.
Can I drink tea before a lipid test?
It is best to avoid tea, coffee and anything other than plain water during the fasting period.
Book this test
You can book a lipid profile with early-morning home sample collection. Book a test, see health packages, or check your report values.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your symptoms and report.
