Test Particulars:
Fasting: Required | Reporting: 8 – 12 Hours |
Preparation: 12 – 14 Hrs fasting | Sample: Blood

Lipid Profile Test Cost: Upon Inquiry

Lipid Profile Test Overview:

What is a Lipid Profile Test?

The lipid profile test/lipid panel is a group of tests that determine the levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.

Why do I need a Lipid Panel Blood test?

A lipid panel test may be required if your doctor needs to assess your risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, it might be advised if heart disease and stroke run in your family.

If you are currently receiving treatment for heart problems, a lipid profile can assess if your treatment is effective.

The cholesterol profile is especially advised when you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or borderline diabetes.

Lifestyle factors like smoking, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, and high stress can also require a lipid profile test.

What are the five tests in the Lipid Panel?

The lipid panel primarily measures five types of lipids in the bloodstream, as listed below.

Total Cholesterol: This is your overall amount of cholesterol. It includes LDL, HDL, & VLDL.
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Often called bad cholesterol. With a higher range, it can accumulate in the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Often called good cholesterol. It helps decrease the buildup of bad cholesterol in your blood vessels and protects your heart.

Triglycerides: A type of fat from the food we eat that our body uses for energy. A high level of triglycerides in your blood can be associated with cardiovascular disease

VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: A type of cholesterol that comes from food you have recently eaten. It is usually low in a fasting sample, and high levels can mean your body is not processing cholesterol correctly.

When to do a Lipid Profile Test?

You should get a lipid profile test when advised by your doctor. You can also consider getting a lipid profile test for any of the following reasons:

Routine Checkup: Healthy adults can get a lipid panel test every 4 to 6 years to monitor heart health.

Health Problems: If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it is advised to take a lipid profile test every 1 – 2 years, or as advised by your physician. 

Age Range: Generally, Men over 45 & Women over 50 are advised to take lipid panel tests at every 10 – 12 month intervals. 

Family History: You should definitely get a cholesterol test if heart disease, stroke, or high cholesterol runs in your family.

Lifestyle Habits: If you smoke, have a sedentary lifestyle, or experience high stress, you should consult your physician and take the lipid profile test. 

Track Treatment: You should take lipid panel tests to check if your cholesterol medications or lifestyle changes are working.

What other tests can be done along with a lipid profile?

Your physician can also prescribe some other tests to be sure about your heart health. These tests could be:

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, measures the electrical signals from the heart to determine if heartbeats are normal.

Stress test, where you have to work out while having your ECG monitored, to determine how well your heart handles work and stress.

An echocardiogram, where images of your heart are created using sound waves, to determine if its chambers and valves are pumping blood properly.

Your doctor can also recommend tests for high blood pressure, blood sugar, or glucose to provide an informed consultation.