Lipid Profile

Cholesterol is essential for life, as it is required by the body to work properly. It plays a role in the formation of cell membranes in all organs and tissues in the body. It is associated with the formation of hormones which are important for development, growth, and reproduction. It forms bile acids, which help to absorb nutrients from food. 

In the blood, a small amount of cholesterol circulates in the form of lipoproteins which contains protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid molecules. These are classified according to their density into HDL (high-density lipoproteins), LDL (low-density lipoproteins), and VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins). HDL cholesterol is also known as good cholesterol, as it carries excess cholesterol away for disposal while LDL cholesterol is also known as bad cholesterol, as it deposits cholesterol in tissues and organs. 

It is important to maintain and monitor the levels of cholesterol for a healthy lifestyle. The source of cholesterol is diet as well. If a person is taking too much of cholesterol-rich foods, it can cause a rise in levels of cholesterol in the blood. The amount of cholesterol which is not required by the body starts to deposit in the form of plaques on the walls of blood vessels. These plaques can narrow or block the blood vessels opening which can lead to the hardening of arteries known as atherosclerosis. Also, with an increase in cholesterol levels, there is an increased risk of various conditions such as heart disease and stroke. 

Triglycerides test measures the levels of triglycerides in the blood.

Triglycerides are a type of body fat (lipid). Chemically, triglycerides consist of three ("tri-") molecules of fatty acid combined with a molecule of the alcohol glycerol ("-glyceride").

High levels of triglycerides in the blood have been linked to atherosclerosis which increases the risk of heart disease (Coronary Artery Disease), peripheral artery disease, stroke and kidney disease. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) builds up inside the arteries (blood vessels) resulting in narrowing of the lumen. This restricts the flow of blood to the organs and other parts of the body. Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis usually do not appear until severe or total blockage of the artery (blood vessel). Therefore, most people are not aware of atherosclerosis until they have a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Increased levels of triglycerides may also be seen in Metabolic syndrome (cluster of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke). Very high triglyceride levels can also cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Triglycerides test is usually done as a part of lipid profile which includes other tests like cholesterol, HDL (High-density lipoprotein), LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), VLDL (Very low-density lipoprotein) also.

The cholesterol LDL test measures the levels of cholesterol LDL in the blood. LDL also known as low-density lipoprotein carries cholesterol in the blood. It consists mainly of cholesterol, similar other substances, and a small amount of protein. 

 It is very important to monitor and maintain healthy levels of lipids for staying healthy. Intake of foods that are high in saturated fats and trans unsaturated fats can raise the levels of cholesterol in the blood. The extra cholesterol gets deposited in plaques on the walls of blood vessels. This may result in atherosclerosis  (hardening of the arteries). It can also increase the risk of various other health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

The cholesterol LDL is known as “bad cholesterol” as it gets deposited in the vessels as plaque, giving rise to cardiovascular diseases. The cholesterol HDL which is the high-density lipoproteins cholesterol is known as “good cholesterol” as its role is to transport cholesterol from the arteries to the liver and thus protects the body against heart diseases.

The cholesterol LDL test helps in determining the risk of heart disease in an individual. It also helps in planning out the treatment considering other known risk factors as well. The treatment can involve changes in lifestyle such as diet and exercise or lipid-lowering medications such as statins.