Cholesterol Test/Lipid Pofile

Cholesterol test measures the level of cholesterol in blood. High cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart diseases.

All individuals above the age of 20 years should get their cholesterol levels checked once every 5 years or make it a part of their routine medical check-up. It is monitored on a frequent basis if the individual has:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease or family history of heart disease
• Hypertension
• Stroke (cell death caused due to poor blood flow to the brain)
• Habit of cigarette smoking
• Obesity (overweight)
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of physical activity (not performing enough exercise)

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Fasting for 9-12 hours is required prior to this test; however, the individual can drink water if needed.

This test is typically done in the morning. The doctor should be informed of the intake of any medicines or herbal supplements.

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To perform this test, a blood sample is used to measure the levels of cholesterol in blood. The sample can be drawn from a vein of the arm using a syringe or by pricking a  finger with a lancet. A fingerprick test yields a drop of blood, which is then transferred to a piece of paper that contains some specific chemicals. Depending on the level of cholesterol in blood, the paper will change its colour. Some other small testing kits could also be used for this test.

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According to the guidelines provided in 2002 by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III), the normal total cholesterol value should be 200 mg/dL or less.

In a routine setting, the results of total cholesterol test are categorised as follows:

• Adults:
  • Desirable: A cholesterol level of ≤200 mg/dL is considered normal, and the risk of heart disease is minimal at these levels.
  • Borderline high:  A cholesterol level between 200-239 mg/dL indicates a moderate risk of heart disease.
  • High risk: A cholesterol level ≥240 mg/dL is considered high risk with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Children and adolescents:
  • Normal cholesterol level: <170 mg/dL
  • Borderline high cholesterol level: 170-199 mg/dL
  • High cholesterol level: ≥200 mg/dL
• For young adults:
  • Normal cholesterol level: <190 mg/dL
  • Borderline cholesterol level: 190-224 mg/dL
  • High cholesterol level: ≥225 mg/dL

Normal levels of lipoproteins tested as a part of cholesterol test are:

• LDL levels <100 mg/dL are considered normal. High level of LDL is linked with heart diseases or stroke.
• HDL levels >40-60 mg/dL are considered normal. High level of HDL decreases the risk of coronary artery disease.
• VLDL levels from 2-30 mg/dL are considered normal. High level of VLDL causes narrowing of arteries.
• Total cholesterol levels <200 mg/dL are considered normal. Higher levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Triglycerides <150 mg/dL are considered normal. A high level of triglycerides is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above-mentioned information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.

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