A lipids blood test provides a snapshot of the amount of fat that is present in your blood. It is important for calculating the risks of a stroke, heart attack or development of atherosclerosis.

1. Things to Know about Lipids Blood Test
A lipids blood test provides a snapshot of the amount of fat that is present in your blood.
It is important for calculating the risks of a stroke, heart attack or development of
atherosclerosis. The blood lipid test can also identify undiagnosed conditions like
glycogen storage diseases, pancreatitis, diabetes and hypothyroidism. The testing is
performed on the liquid component of the blood cell which is called the plasma. After
evaluation, the plasma results include triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density
lipoproteins HDL and low density lipoproteins LDL. The doctor will look at the individual
reading and the way they can be compared with each other.
The total cholesterol should not be over 4 times more than the HDL reading. The LDL to
HDL ratio should not be higher than 2.5. Cholesterol is a wax-like chemical which is
important for our cells. It provides the basis for the development of hormones. If the
levels of cholesterol are extremely low, you run the risk of developing rhabdomyolysis
which can be dangerous. To avoid the matter, take a fasting cholesterol test. This will let
you know about the levels of cholesterol in your body. A lipid profile test which reads
more than 240 is considered as high and poses the risk of heart and artery health.
A count of 200 is considered appropriate. Triglycerides are used by the body to make
fatty tissue, build cholesterol and provide energy. Very high levels of triglycerides can
roughen up the walls of arteries, enabling the accumulation of plaque. The ideal
triglyceride level should be less than 150. LDL or low density lipoprotein is primarily
composed of fat. It combines lipoproteins and cholesterol and leads to heart and artery
ailments. A count of less than 130 is considered as safe for all those without the history
of heart disease, and 100 for people who have been through heart problems.
HDL or high density lipoprotein is known as good cholesterol. Being very lean, these
molecules cannot enter the arteries. Whatever fat they carry is taken to the intestine or
liver for disposal. A reading more than 50 is considered as good, and one over 60 is
excellent. If your lipid blood test is unfavorable, your doctor will decide whether to put
you on prescription medication or not. They will also ask the patient to modify or alter
their diet plan by reducing their intake of foods containing cholesterol and saturated fat.
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A lipids blood test shows the cholesterol levels of your body. After a fasting cholesterol
test, the patient is advised to live an active lifestyle.