LOC440704
Lipid Profile: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Your Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
Description
A lipid profile is a blood test that measures the levels of different types of lipids, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins. These lipids are essential for maintaining normal cell function, but high levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke.
The lipid profile typically includes:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL (good cholesterol)
- LDL (bad cholesterol)
- Triglycerides
- Non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol minus HDL)
Associated Diseases
High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides can contribute to the development of:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD): A condition in which plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, leading to narrowing and potentially blocking blood flow.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): A condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the legs, feet, and arms, causing numbness, pain, and impaired circulation.
- Stroke: A condition in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to brain damage.
Did you Know ?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-third of adults in the United States have high cholesterol, which is defined as a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher.
