The lipid profile is a laboratory test requested by the doctor that aims to check normal lipid values, i. e. LDL, HDL, VLDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol, which when outside their normal limits pose a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as angina, heart attack, stroke or stroke As what.
The lipid profile is requested to identify the risk of these diseases and help guide the treatment of each person, in order to avoid health complications, a blood sample is required for the determination of the lipid profile, which can be performed in fasting. -Time assistance is indicated based on the person’s medical history.
In the full lipid profile if the following data is obtained
LDL cholesterol, which stands for low-density cholesterol, is known as “bad cholesterol” because when it is in high concentrations, it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; however, LDL is essential for the proper functioning of the body, which is involved in the formation of various hormones.
Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels are based on 130 mg/dL, however, some caution is required, such as values based on 100, 70 or 50 mg/dL, depending on disease history, lifestyle or the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. . Learn more about LDL cholesterol and how to reduce your values.
HDL cholesterol, for high-density cholesterol, is called “good cholesterol,” and it’s important that your blood values are high and represent better heart protection. It is recommended that its bone value be greater than 40 mg. , as it prevents cardiovascular disease. To have these values, it is recommended to exercise and follow a diet rich in large quantities and fiber, which can be obtained in fish, accepted, vegetables and seeds.
VLDL cholesterol carries triglycerides and cholesterol to tissues and is part of the non-HDL cholesterol group, so it should remain low. If recommended, be values less than 30 mg / dL. Learn more about the consequences of high VLDL cholesterol.
This is the sum of all types of cholesterol, with the exception of HDL, and is considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can be used for monitoring and referral of treatment.
Non-HDL cholesterol values should be greater than 30 mg/dL than what is considered ideal for LDL, so if the recommended maximum LDL value for a person is 130 mg/dL, non-HDL cholesterol is considered normal up to 160 mg/dL.
Total cholesterol is the sum of HDL, LDL and VLDL, although desirable values below 190 mg/dL, which increase the risk of diseases such as pancreatitis, myocardial infarction, stroke or angina, for example; However, if the good cholesterol (HDL) values are too high, this can increase the value of total cholesterol, so it should always be compared to the full lipid profile.
These fat molecules are an important source of energy for the body and muscles; However, when they rise in the blood, they can promote fat buildup in blood vessels and the development of cardiovascular disease.
The desirable value of triglycerides in the lipid profile should be less than 150 mg/dL, and an even higher value, a higher probability of complications. In addition to cardiovascular disease, extremely high triglycerides can cause pancreatitis. Explains how to reduce high triglycerides.
Lipid profile is usually done in adults every 5 years, however, if there is a risk of heart disease or cholesterol alteration in other tests, the time interval is reduced.
Although it is not common for this test to be requested in adolescents, it can be done in people at risk of developing heart disease, as well as in the presence of genetic diseases such as cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension or obesity, for example.
When the lipid profile is altered, it is important to receive treatment, which must be prescribed by a doctor as well as being accompanied by a nutritionist. The main ways to manage these changes are:
In addition, to reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular disease, it is also important to control other risk factors, such as blood glucose, blood pressure and weight management, as these factors contribute to the formation of atherosclerosis in the blood vessels and the development of blood vessels Disease.