Lipidogram (lipid profile examination): what it is and what it indicates

The lipidogram is a laboratory test requested by the doctor in order to check the person's lipid profile, that is, the amount of LDL, HDL, VLDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol, which when they are in abnormal values, represent a great risk for develop cardiovascular diseases, such as angina, heart attack, stroke or venous thrombosis, for example.

The examination of the lipid profile is requested by the doctor in order to identify the risk of these diseases and help guide the ideal treatment for each person, as a way to prevent health complications. To determine the lipid profile, it is necessary to collect a blood sample in the laboratory, which can be done with or without fasting. The need for a 12-hour fast should be indicated by the doctor according to the person's medical history.

In the examination of the complete lipid profile, it is possible to observe the values ​​of:

1. LDL cholesterol

LDL, or low density cholesterol , is popularly known as bad cholesterol because when it is found in high concentrations it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, LDL is fundamental for the proper functioning of the body, as it participates in the formation of several hormones.

Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels are below 130 mg / dl, however, for some people, stricter controls such as below 100, 70 or 50 mg / dl are necessary, depending on conditions such as lifestyle, history of diseases or the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. See more about LDL and what to do to control it.

2. HDL cholesterol

HDL, or high density cholesterol , is popularly known as good cholesterol and it is important that it is increased in the circulation, as it represents greater cardiac protection. It is recommended that its value is above 40 mg for men and women, as a way to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases and, for that, it is indicated to perform physical activity and have a diet rich in good fats and fibers, present in fish, olive oil, vegetables and seeds, for example.

3. VLDL cholesterol

VLDL is the type of cholesterol that has the function of transporting triglycerides and cholesterol to the tissues of the body, and is part of the non-HDL cholesterol group, therefore, it should be kept at low values, it is not recommended that its values above 30 mg / dL. Learn more about the harms of high VLDL cholesterol.

4. Non-HDL cholesterol

It is the sum of all types of cholesterol, except HDL and, as well as isolated LDL cholesterol, it is also considered by doctors to be an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and can be used for monitoring and guiding treatment.

Non-HDL cholesterol should be at levels 30 mg / dl above what is considered ideal for LDL, so if the maximum recommended LDL value for a person is 130 mg / dl, non-HDL cholesterol is considered normal if it is up to 160 mg / dl.

5. Total cholesterol

It is the sum of HDL, LDL and VLDL, and it is desirable to have a value below 190 mg / dL, since when it is high it also increases the risk of diseases such as heart attack, stroke, angina or pancreatitis, for example. However, it should be taken into account that, if good cholesterol (HDL) is too high, it can increase the value of total cholesterol, so it is always important to compare the values ​​of the complete lipid profile.

6. Triglycerides

Also known as triglycerides, these fat molecules are an important source of energy for the body and muscles, however, when they are elevated in the bloodstream, they can facilitate the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels and the development of cardiovascular diseases.

The desirable triglyceride value in the lipid profile test is less than 150 mg / dl, and the higher its value, the greater the chance of complications. In addition to cardiovascular disease, excessively high triglycerides can also cause pancreatitis.

Here's what to do to lower triglycerides.

When lipid profile examination is indicated

Generally, lipidogram dosing is done for adults every 5 years, however, if there is a greater risk for heart disease or if cholesterol is altered in other tests, this interval should be shorter.

Although this test is not normally requested for children and adolescents, it can be done on those with a high chance of developing heart disease, such as those with genetic diseases of cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity, for example.

What to do when it is changed

When the lipid profile is altered it is important to carry out the treatment, which is guided by the doctor and, preferably, with a follow-up by a nutritionist. The main ways to deal with these changes include:

• Dietary changes: avoid high-fat foods, such as fried foods or fatty meats, and excess carbohydrates. However, one must never forget that the diet must be balanced, and with the ideal amounts of nutrients for each person, so it is recommended to follow up with a nutritionist, so that you know how to select the best food and in the ideal amount; Healthy lifestyle habits: to decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, it is recommended to practice regular physical activities, at least 3 to 6 times a week, with an average of 150 minutes of exercise. It is also important to stop smoking, as this habit influences the drop in good cholesterol; Use of medicines: in many cases the doctor will recommend the use of medicines to control cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and some of the main ones include cholesterol-lowering statins, such as simvastatin, atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, for example, or fibrates for decrease triglycerides, such as Ciprofibrato or Bezafibrato, for example. Know the options for cholesterol-lowering drugs.

In addition, to decrease the chances of developing cardiovascular disease, it is also important to control other risk factors, such as controlling blood glucose levels, blood pressure and losing weight, as all of these factors contribute to the formation of atherosclerosis in blood vessels and the disease development.

Check out the following video on how to understand the test and what to do to control cholesterol levels: