Lipid Profile Test (LPT): Introduction, Test Result, Unit, Normal Range, Testing Methods, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction of Lipid Profile Test (LPT)

Before discussing the lipid profile test (LPT), it is better to know about lipids. Lipid is the fat and fatty substance that is stored in blood and tissues and it is utilized by the body as a source of energy. It helps keep the body functioning normally. When a lipid disorder (dyslipidemia) occurs like high cholesterol, it might lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or coronary artery disease. A lipid profile test is a group of tests conducted together to find out any risks of coronary heart disease (CHD), or as a preventive measure to check any risks depending on factors like eating habits, diet, stress, exercise, and lifestyle related. A normal lipid profile includes the following tests-

• Total cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) -It is also called good cholesterol.
• Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) -It is known as bad cholesterol.
• Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C)

Test Result, Unit, Normal Range, Testing Methods, and Clinical Significance

Keynotes

• Dyslipidemia is a high level of blood cholesterol, triglycerides (Tgs), or both, or a low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.
• Some common symptoms of dyslipidemia are as follows-

1. Headache, toothache, and Jaw pain
2. breathing difficulties
3. Nausea, vomiting, upper middle abdomen discomfort
4. Heartburn or indigestion
5. High blood pressure
6. General malaise
7. Pain, fullness, or squeezing sensation of the chest
8. Sweating
9. Arm pain (mainly in the left arm, but may be either arm)
10. Back pain (upper)

• some common risk factors of dyslipidemia are-

1. Unhealthy diet
2. Being overweight
3. Smoking
4. Physically inactive (not getting enough exercise)
5. Age of 45 years or more male or a female of 50-55 years or more
6. Having hypertension
7. Holding a family history of premature heart diseases
8. Pre-existing heart diseases
9. History of a heart attack
10. Diabetic or pre-diabetic health status

• The special preparations mandatory for the lipid profile test are as follows-

1. A fasting blood specimen needs to be collected after a minimum 12-14 hour overnight fasting status.
2. During this fasting period only water can be consumed but not beverages like tea, coffee, and milk in the morning until blood sample collection is completed.
3. Ignore eating high-fat foods the night before the assay
4. Avoid drinking alcohol.
5. Do not exercise strenuously before the test.

• The range of test reports may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory due to using different equipment. 

Further Reading

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17176-lipid-panel
• https://www.portea.com/labs/diagnostic-tests/lipid-profile-69/
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/lipid-panel
• https://cura4u.com/blog/lipid-profile-blood-test-normal-range
• https://www.healthline.com/health/cholesterol-test
• https://teslascans.com/lipid-profile-test/
• https://www.lalpathlabs.com/blog/what-is-lipid-profile/