Lipid profile: total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TG)

Lipid profile (cholesterol test)

A lipid profile (cholesterol test) is a test that measures the levels of total cholesterol, its fractions and triglycerides in the blood.

It is one of the basic diagnostic tests. A lipid profile can identify whether there are any disorders affecting the way your body processes fats.

It can sometimes be difficult to interpret because many factors influence the levels of individual cholesterol fractions in the blood.

A lipid profile includes measurements of the following parameters:

• total cholesterol level (TChol),
• HDL fraction level (HDL-Chol),
• LDL fraction level (LDL-Chol),
• triglyceride level (TG).

The human body produces the amount of cholesterol needed to maintain good health itself, mainly in the liver. Cholesterol is also absorbed from animal-derived foods – meat (including poultry) and full-fat dairy products. The richer your diet is in saturated fats and trans fats (hydrogenated vegetable oils), the more cholesterol your liver produces.

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL

Total cholesterol consists of HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol. The reference range for total cholesterol sets its maximum normal level at 180-200 mg/dl. A result between 200-239 mg/dl is described as elevated, while a result exceeding 240 mg/dl is described as high. The result report is issued in Polish.

LDL CHOLESTEROL (so-called “bad cholesterol”)

LDL cholesterol is the cholesterol contained in the LDL lipoprotein fraction, that is, low-density lipoproteins. Cholesterol is an important building block in the body, used to make cell membranes, steroid hormones and bile acids. It is mainly produced in the liver, with a smaller amount supplied through food. Bad cholesterol (LDL) is considered the main cause of deposits that block blood flow in the arteries and the associated heart disease, strokes and peripheral arterial disease. Its level should not exceed 100 mg/dl in people with diabetes and a risk of heart disease, or 115 mg/dl in healthy people. A cholesterol level above 190 mg/dl is considered dangerously high.

Elevated levels of total cholesterol and its LDL fraction may result from:

• an unhealthy lifestyle (a diet high in animal fats and simple carbohydrates, insufficient physical activity);
• a genetic predisposition (abnormal lipid profile results are then usually found in several members of the same family);
• hypothyroidism;
• kidney conditions (e.g. chronic kidney disease);
• liver disease;
• treatment with certain medicines (hormonal contraception, glucocorticoids, medicines used to treat HIV infection).

HDL CHOLESTEROL (so-called “good cholesterol”)

HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) – so-called good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein – is a cholesterol fraction that has a beneficial effect on the human body. It is also known as alpha-lipoprotein. Unlike TC and LDL-C, HDL cholesterol has a lower rather than an upper reference limit, because a reduced level is a factor that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Good cholesterol helps remove bad LDL cholesterol from the arteries, so the higher its level in the blood, the better. A level above 40 mg/dl is considered normal, but a level above 60 mg/dl provides the best protection against heart disease.

TRIGLYCERIDES (TG)

Triglycerides, also known as triacylglycerols, are organic chemical compounds classified as simple fats (lipids). Normal blood TG levels should remain below 150 mg/dl.

An increase in blood triglyceride levels is associated with:

• an unhealthy diet and low physical activity;
• diabetes;
• pancreatitis;
• hypothyroidism;
• kidney failure;
• it may also have a genetic basis.

TC, LDL and TG levels that are too low are also dangerous!

The lower the levels of total cholesterol, LDL (so-called bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, the better. However, very low levels can sometimes indicate medical conditions such as:

• hyperthyroidism;
• liver cirrhosis;
• malnutrition and wasting associated with severe illnesses.

When to have a lipid profile test:

Lipid profile testing should be carried out in all women over 45 and men over 35 years of age. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are usually measured first. Testing should then be repeated once a year if the lipid profile result is normal. Ideally, however, the first lipid profile should be performed much earlier – at around 20 years of age. The sooner any abnormalities are detected and appropriate management is started, the less time the blood vessels will be exposed to the harmful effects of high cholesterol levels. If the result at around 20 years of age is normal, repeat lipid profile testing is recommended every 5 years.

Monitoring the body’s fat metabolism from a young age is essential for people at increased risk of cardiovascular disease: those with diabetes or hypertension, smokers, and people with a family history of cardiovascular disease at a young age.

Preparing for the test:

You should attend the test on an empty stomach – ideally, 12 hours should have passed since your last meal. In the days before the test, you should follow your usual diet (both prolonged fasting and overeating can distort the measurement).

* If your results fall outside the reference range, we recommend consulting a doctor.

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