Cholesterol
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Your Lipid Profile
Also called Lipidogram is a group of Laboratory Tests usually ordered together to assess the balance of body fats in the blood serum. They generally include Total Cholesterol, LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) commonly called Bad Cholesterol, HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) often called Good Cholesterol, VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoproteins) and Triglycerides. These are one of the most commonly used elements to estimate the risk of cardiovascular events.
The standard lipid profile, as recommended by ATP III, consists of the direct measurement of total cholesterol, HDL-C and triglycerides, with a calculated LDL-C, obtained after a 9 to 12 hour fast. The Friedewald formula for calculating the LDL blood level is as follows:
LDL - Total cholesterol - HDL (Triglycerides/5)
Total Cholesterol
Lipoproteins are necessary for the transport of cholesterol, which in turn is necessary for the biosynthesis of bile acids (bile compound produced by the gallbladder necessary for the absorption of fats), steroid hormones (male and female sex hormones and hormones produced in stressful situations), and vitamin D. There are two main sources of cholesterol: one is dietary intake and the other is production by the liver. Metabolism (chemical transformation) of ingested cholesterol produces very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL). Further metabolism of VLDL results in cholesterol-rich LDL, which is the key ingredient for the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Total Cholesterol refers to the amount of total cholesterol in the blood. It includes both LDL and HDL cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. This is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol in the blood. An elevated LDL cholesterol level means that there is an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
The target LDL (to prevent atherosclerotic plaque formation) is between 50-70 mg/dL. A higher value confers an increased risk for the development of coronary artery disease and should be corrected. This is based on The Framingham Heart Study, which was the first study to reveal a positive association between total cholesterol and coronary artery disease (CAD). Achieving an LDL value of less than 100mg/dL is especially important in patients who have other risk factors that favour the development of Coronary Artery Disease. These risk factors are smoking, hypertension, low HDL and a family history of CAD.
HDL cholesterol
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. HDL is the "good" cholesterol because it seems to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They are also an important source of energy. They are produced in the body and in food. As people age, gain weight, or both, their cholesterol and triglyceride levels tend to rise.
