The lipid profile is one of the most requested laboratory tests. It is performed for the initial screening of the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It is also useful for monitoring or controlling patients who are on a diet or taking medication to lower cholesterol.
Preparation for the lipid profile test
To have this test, the patient must be in:
- Fasting for 10 to 12 hours or as directed by a doctor.
- It is recommended that a balanced diet has been followed in the previous weeks
- Do not drink alcohol at least 3 days before.
A venous blood sample of 2 to 5ml is taken and analyzed on our equipment prepared for this purpose.
What parameters does the lipid profile test measure?
- Triglycerides
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- VLDL Cholesterol
- Non-HDL Cholesterol
How can we understand our results?
Triglycerides: This parameter is altered when we have a high intake of fats, sugars, or alcohol, diabetes, obesity, or hereditary metabolic disorders. Having a high level of this parameter increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Total cholesterol: It rises when you have diets with a high consumption of animal fats; having this parameter high is a risk of cardiovascular disease.
HDL Cholesterol: Known as good cholesterol, it is desirable to have high levels in the blood, as it removes excess cholesterol at the cellular level.
LDL Cholesterol: It must be kept at low levels; excesses of it in the blood can cause atherosclerosis.
VLDL Cholesterol: Its increase indicates not only a persistent excess of triglycerides in the blood, but also of cholesterol and is therefore associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Non-HDL Cholesterol: It is used to assess the risk of all bad cholesterol.
At Clínica Hispana del Metroplex, we explain each laboratory test result to patients at no additional cost, in addition to giving them an educational talk on how to continue taking care of their habits and lifestyle. Learn about laboratory tests that we carry out.
Conclusions
We frequently use lipid profiles to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease during physical exams of patients with chronic illnesses or healthy individuals visiting our health clinics in Dallas and Fort Worth. Abnormal results on this test are always associated with unhealthy habits: diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, or genetic predisposition.
If you want to start taking care of your health and get your lab tests done quickly and reliably, you can visit the Hispanic clinic nearest you and the best Latino clinic that will give you the care you deserve: “Clínica Hispana del Metroplex”
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