Have you ever wondered where we get the energy to do our daily tasks? There are many sources of energy that help us do our everyday work. One of the primary sources is lipids. Lipids are organic compounds that are waxy. The liver produces lipids. Lipids mainly consist of phospholipids, fatty acids, and cholesterol.
The major functions of lipids include
- Storing energy
- Transmitting nerve impulses
- Provides thermal insulation
- Aiding digestion and bioavailability.
Excess amounts of lipids in our body are also harmful and can give rise to various cardiovascular diseases. To check whether it is normal or excess in our body our doctors comment on lipid panel test.
Stay tuned with me as I will explain in brief the following points so that you get a complete overview of the lipid panel test.
- Lipid Panel - A Brief Overview
- The Significance of a Lipid Panel
- How Should You Prepare for a Lipid Panel
- What to Expect Before, During, and After a Lipid Panel?
- Decoding Lipid Panel Results
- Where to get the best Lipid Panel facility?
- Why Choose HealthcareOnTime?
Lipid Panel - A Brief Overview
A lipid panel test is a type of blood test that checks the number of lipids in our body. The lipid profile test checks the risk of fat buildup in your body, especially in your arteries (on the inner side of arteries) which can lead to heart failure and brain stroke.
The lipid profile test measures the concentration of five different types of lipids that are present in our body and they are
- Total cholesterol
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
- Triglycerides
Total cholesterol
Cholesterol is produced by the liver but can also get into our bodies if we consume animal foods that are rich in cholesterol. So, if a person consumes a lot of fast food can lead to excess cholesterol levels in our body that could further lead to heart diseases like high blood pressure.
The normal range of total cholesterol is under 200mg/dl.
The cholesterol level is calculated using the formula
TC= HDL+LDL+VLDL
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
It is said that High Density Lipoprotein is good cholesterol. It helps to transport cholesterol from vessels back to the liver and then the liver flushes the cholesterol from our body as a waste product.
Having high levels of lipoprotein in our body is good as it lowers the level of bad cholesterol that is low-density lipoprotein which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The normal range of high-density lipoprotein is less than 50mg/dl.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
The low density is known as bad cholesterol. The function of low-density lipoprotein is to carry cholesterol from the liver to blood vessels. Excess deposits of cholesterol in the vessels narrow the vessels which creates problems in the blood flow and it can lead to heart failure if the vessel carries blood to the blood.
The normal range of low-density lipoprotein is between 60 to 130mg/dl.
It is calculated by the formula TC-HDL-VLDL
Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
Very low-density lipoprotein is also synthesized by the liver. It helps to transport triglycerides to different cells in our body. VLDL is also considered bad cholesterol.
The normal range of very low-density lipoprotein is between 2 to 30mg/dl.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are also known as triacylglycerol. Its main function is to store energy. We all need food for energy but when we consume excess food the calories that are not needed immediately get converted to triglycerides and are stored in fat cells. During an emergency, these triglycerides are released on the signals of special hormones in our body.
The normal range of triglycerides is below 150mg/dl.
The Significance of a Lipid Panel
The lipid profile test is used by healthcare professionals for determining the health of our heart. Knowing the amount of cholesterol and other types of lipids in our body can provide us the information about having any existing heart disease or acquiring it shortly. It helps doctors decide on future treatment and medications if any heart disease is suspected.
Doctors usually suggest the lipid profile test when having diseases like
Children can also have high cholesterol due to hereditary problems and diet. Then, your child may have to go through a lipid profile test.
How Should You Prepare for a Lipid Panel?
Before taking up the lipid profile test there are a few steps you must follow:
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Firstly, you must fast for about 12-14 hours.
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Secondly, you must tell your doctor if you are on a certain kind of medication; there are few medicines that you should not be consumed before the test as it can lead to abnormalities in the test results.
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Finally, carry all the necessary documents to the lab during your test.
What to Expect Before, During, and After a Lipid Panel?
Before your lipid profile test, your doctor might recommend you to keep fast for 12 to 14 hrs. You can only consume water.
During the lipid profile test, lab personnel will take a sample of your blood for testing. The lab professional will tie an elastic band around your arm and will collect your blood from the vein in a test tube with the help of a syringe. After your blood sample is collected you will be asked to sit down quietly for some time as you may develop irritation at the place from where the blood was collected. Also, to check if you have any other problems.
After the lipid profile test, you must wait patiently for your blood test report. Once, you get your report from the lab consult your doctor for further diagnoses and treatment.
Decoding Lipid Panel Results
As we know that in the lipid profile test there are five different tests done. The lipid panel measures these lipids:
In the above table, I have given the normal range, borderline, and high range of the five types of lipids concentration. Total cholesterol in the report says to the amount of cholesterol in the body. Similarly, we can know the amount of total HDL, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides from the report.
Our goal should be to remain in the normal range of total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides for our wellness. The higher range of these lipids is harmful to our bodies. This is because our blood has a maximum concentration of water and lipids being non-polar and waxy cannot dissolve in water. Hence, a higher amount of lipids in our body will give resistance to the blood flow and sometimes lipids build up in the inner wall of the arteries. If that artery is connected to the heart then blood not moving to the heart will lead to heart failure. So, we must avoid having fatty foods as it increases the level of lipids in our body.
Where to get the best Lipid Panel facility?
There are various labs and diagnostic centers from where you can lipid profile tests are done. The cholesterol test price In India ranges from Rs. 800 to Rs.1100. Though the cholesterol test cost depends on the location and the lab or diagnostic center from which you wish to avail of the test services. But I would suggest that HealthcareOnTime is the best place from where you can do your lipid panel test. HealthcareOnTime provides quality service at an affordable rate so that everyone gets their treatment on time.
Why Choose HealthcareOnTime?
HealthcareOnTime is a leading diagnostic centre in India with NABL accreditation. The tests are carried out in CAP-accredited labs.
The lipid profile test cost at HealthcareOnTime is only Rs. 500. So, we can see that the lipid profile test price is very cheap and affordable. Moreover, the test is done by well-qualified healthcare professionals.
Also, they offer a variety of testing options, including 24/7 online and phone booking, and we provide reliable and accurate results. Our services are affordable and accessible, making them the perfect choice for anyone in need of Lipid Profile Test services.
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