Lipid profile

Lipid profile or lipid panel is a panel of blood tests that serves as an initial broad medical screening tool for abnormalities in lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. The results of this test can identify certain genetic diseases and can determine approximate risks for cardiovascular disease, certain forms of pancreatitis, and other diseases.

Overview

A lipid profile typically includes low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

Components

Low-density lipoprotein

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as "bad cholesterol". High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and result in atherosclerosis and heart disease.

High-density lipoprotein

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as "good cholesterol". It carries cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.

Total cholesterol

This measures all the cholesterol in all the lipoprotein particles.

Importance

The lipid profile is used to help determine an individual's risk of heart disease and to help make decisions about what treatment may be best if there is borderline or high risk.

See also

• Cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Triglycerides

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