What should you know about tests included in lipid profile?

Total cholesterol is a combined measure of cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is often described as the type that can contribute to fatty build-up in artery walls, while HDL cholesterol helps carry cholesterol away for processing. Triglycerides are another form of fat that the body uses for energy and stores after meals. The laboratory may also report calculated values or ratios, depending on the test. Results are interpreted together with age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, kidney health, family history and previous cardiovascular problems. One result does not determine your overall risk by itself.

Ask whether you need to fast before the blood sample; many lipid tests do not require fasting, but the instruction depends on the reason for testing and the laboratory. Tell the clinician about medicines, supplements, pregnancy and recent illness. Follow the preparation instructions you receive and drink water unless you were told otherwise. If a result is outside the expected range, the next step may be repeat testing, lifestyle advice or a discussion about treatment. Do not start or stop cholesterol medicine based on a single report.

A lipid profile is usually planned care rather than an emergency test. Contact your clinician promptly if you have been asked to discuss a markedly abnormal result or have symptoms of a medicine reaction, such as severe muscle pain, profound weakness or dark urine. Seek emergency help for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, sudden weakness on one side or difficulty speaking. These symptoms need urgent assessment regardless of your cholesterol result.

Which measurements are included in my report? Was fasting needed for this sample? How do these results fit with my other cardiovascular risk factors? Should the test be repeated? What lifestyle changes are relevant to me? Would cholesterol-lowering treatment such as a statin be appropriate, and how would we monitor it?