Lipid profile

What is it?

It is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood (MedlinePlus). The CDC also calls it a lipid panel.

It includes four measurements: "bad" LDL cholesterol, the main source of artery blockage; "good" HDL, which helps remove LDL; total cholesterol; and triglycerides (fats in the blood) (MedlinePlus, NHLBI).

Why is it done?

According to MedlinePlus, the test reveals the risk of heart disease and allows prevention, since high cholesterol can cause plaque to build up (atherosclerosis) and the heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease that follow.

The NHLBI diagnoses high cholesterol from the medical and family history, physical examination and a blood test, and MedlinePlus says testing is more frequent for those with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity or a poor diet.

Screening schedule according to MedlinePlus and the NHLBI: first test at age 9 to 11 and repeated every 5 years until 19; for adults 20 to 65 every 5 years (men 45 to 65 and women 55 to 65 every 1 to 2 years); and after 65 annually. The CDC says: discuss with your team how often to be tested.

Preparation

Fasting may be requested: 9 to 12 hours according to MedlinePlus, and 8 to 12 hours according to the NHLBI. The NHS says most people do not need to fast, and up to 12 hours may be requested. Follow your laboratory's instructions.

How is it done?

The healthcare worker draws blood from a vein in the arm with a small needle, and the process usually takes under five minutes. Home fingerstick kits are also available (MedlinePlus). In the NHS, a finger prick may also be done and the drop read by a device within minutes.

Understanding the result

Lipids are measured by the CDC and MedlinePlus in mg/dL. The NHLBI says the target for a healthy lipid profile is non-HDL below 130 mg/dL with HDL of at least 40 for men and 50 for women.

For adults aged 20 and over, MedlinePlus gives (mg/dL): total cholesterol below 200; LDL below 100; non-HDL below 130; HDL of 60 or more is desirable, and below 40 is considered low for men and below 50 for women. For ages up to 19: total below 170, LDL below 110, non-HDL below 120, HDL above 45. Laboratories and guidelines differ, so what counts is your laboratory's report and your doctor's interpretation.

The CDC states that optimal triglycerides are below 150 mg/dL. The CDC gives HDL of 40 or higher for men and 50 or higher for women.

Note: the numbers given here are general targets from those pages, and only your doctor determines your personal target according to your overall risk.

Risks and side effects

The risks of a blood draw are very small: mild pain or a bruise at the needle site (MedlinePlus).

Limits of the test

The NHLBI mentions the Lp(a) test as a separate test recommended for anyone with a family history of stroke or early heart disease.

This page does not cover data on the effect of other diseases or medicines on the values; discuss them with your doctor.

After the test

MedlinePlus notes that lowering cholesterol includes healthy eating, weight control, physical activity, quitting smoking, and reducing stress and alcohol. Drug treatment is decided by the doctor and is not inferred from the number alone.

Common questions