Comprehend Your Heart Health: The Importance of Lipid Profile Test

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

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Imagine trying to drive a car with an empty fuel tank. Instead of filling it up with fuel; you find fault in its engine.

Many of us also make such mistakes with our bodies too. Lack of proper information is the reason.

We all know that our body needs nutrients and vitamins to function properly, and we focus on a good and balanced diet. And for a healthy heart, having a cholesterol-free diet is the buzz. But here’s the catch.

Cholesterol has been highly criticised, but it's essential for our existence. Just like the right amount of water keeps us healthy and hydrated, similarly, an optimal level of cholesterol is vital to human life. However, just as an excessive flood of water is harmful, immoderate cholesterol levels are detrimental to health.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) found in all the body’s cells. We need cholesterol to produce bile in the liver, vitamin D, hormones, and tissues. However, cholesterol levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How do you measure your cholesterol count? A Lipid profile test measures different types of lipids , such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood.

What is a Lipid Profile Test?

It is a standard blood test that monitors and screens different cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Balancing the levels of both these fats is important because excess fat can build up in your arteries and blood vessels, hence, damaging them.

Healthcare providers use lipid profile diagnosis to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular diseases for children and adults. This test is performed when the patient has been fasting for 9 to 12 hours. In many cases, performing the blood test is possible without fasting, but it is better to have your doctor’s advice. A lab technician draws a certain amount of blood sample from your arm vein through a syringe, and then analyses the sample in the laboratory, and delivers the report within 1-2 days.

Purpose of Lipid Profile

The blood test measures five different cholesterol and triglycerides. The lipid profile test diagnoses diabetes, kidney diseases, obesity, high cholesterol, and polycystic ovary disease. Doctors generally recommend it to monitor cholesterol levels in the blood to diagnose health issues. Lipid profile test details include the following parameters-

• Total Cholesterol: It is the sum of LDL, VLDLr, and HDL cholesterol. In adults, the normal range is below 200 mg/dL, and the borderline high is 200 to 239 mg/dL. Whereas a report of 240 mg/dL or above is considered high.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: These are termed ‘bad cholesterol,’ a surplus that can build up plaque in your arteries. LDL cholesterol should be below 100 mg/dL.
• Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol: It is a bad cholesterol as its high values can cause plaque deposits on artery walls. This lipid profile test normal ranges are below 30 mg/dL.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: It is considered good cholesterol, helping to remove other forms of cholesterol from the blood. For men, the normal range is 35 to 65 mg/dL, and for women, it is 35 to 80 mg/dL.
• Triglycerides: These are a type of fat found commonly in the body. They come from the food we eat, especially oils, butter, and other fats. Its normal range is below 150 mg/dL.

What’s The Next Step After Abnormal Lipid Profile Reports

If the lipid profile is high, it may indicate the risk of type 2 diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and coronary artery disease, which may lead to heart attack, cardiovascular disease or stroke.

• Consult a Doctor: Abnormal levels of certain lipids might or might not mean you need treatment. However, these parameters play a significant role in your cardiovascular health. It is advised to take your reports to your doctor to avoid serious consequences. He will decide whether you need any medications by reviewing your medical history, genetics, age, and weight.
• Change Your Lifestyle: Physical activity can control high cholesterol levels. Regular exercise, quitting smoking, and avoiding certain foods like oil, butter, and fat might help. Okra, beans, legumes, pears, oranges, apples, are amongst foods that may help you absorb less cholesterol.
• Maintain a Moderate Weight: If you are obese, shedding a few kgs would be helpful. You may ask your doctor for the optimal healthy weight range for yourself.
• Quit Drinking: If you have been consuming alcohol, it is high time to limit the consumption because alcohol may shoot up bad cholesterol in your body.

The repercussions of ignoring your health lead to illness, followed by substantial unplanned healthcare expenses. Medical inflation, hikes in costs for doctor’s consultations, diagnosis tests and more may put a considerable strain on your finances. But you can beat the burden by buying health insurance. You pay a relatively affordable premium each year and achieve financial security.

Care Supreme by Care Health Insurance is health insurance for families and individuals. The plan covers annual health check-ups which helps you avoid unnecessary costs annually. If you have a good health insurance plan, then you are entitled to use such services without spending any money.

What’s the Right Time to Get It Done

High lipids or high cholesterol symptoms may show signs that may lead you to get it done. Some of them are given below-

• Yellowish skin bumps
• White rings around the cornea
• Yellowish lumps near the eye
• Chest pain

>>Read More: Cholesterol and Obesity: Are they the Same?

Wrapping Up

A cholesterol test helps you measure cholesterol and fat levels to assess your risk of heart and other diseases. According to the fast-paced life, experts suggest healthy adults to get their lipid profile test done at least once every 5 years. Moreover, individuals with pre-existing diseases should get it tested more often.

Disclaimer:The above information is collected from generic sources, thus,doesn’t substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Also, all plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions.Refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.