Cholesterol and triglyceride tests: procedures, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is a cholesterol and triglyceride test (lipid profile check)?

Cholesterol and triglyceride tests are blood tests used to measure the total amount of fatty substances (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.

Cholesterol travels through the blood and attaches to proteins. Cholesterol and protein are called lipoproteins. Lipoprotein analysis (lipoprotein profile or lipid profile) measures blood levels from total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Cholesterol. The body uses cholesterol to help build cells and produce hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood can build up in the arteries, forming plaque. Large amounts of plaque increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) helps remove fat from the body by binding it to the bloodstream and bringing it back to the liver for excretion. Sometimes this is referred to as "good" cholesterol. High HDL levels are closely associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) carries mostly fat and only a small amount of protein from the liver to other parts of the body. A certain level of LDL in the blood is normal and healthy because it transfers cholesterol to other parts of the body where it is needed. However, it is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can put you at risk for heart disease.
VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) contains very little protein. The main purpose of VLDL is to distribute the triglycerides that your liver produces. High amounts of VLDL cholesterol can lead to cholesterol buildup in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Trigleserida is a type of body fat that is used to store and provide energy to muscles. Only present in small amounts in the blood. Having a high triglyceride level can increase the chance of a higher risk of heart disease compared to having a high LDL level

When should I have a cholesterol and triglyceride test (lipid profile check)?

It is recommended to do a lipid profile every five years as part of your routine medical check-up. The lipid profile checks your cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels. If you are taking medication for a high triglyceride level, these tests will be done more frequently so that your doctor can monitor how well your medication is working. If you have diabetes, it is very important to monitor your triglyceride levels regularly because they increase when blood sugar is not properly controlled.

Screening for children is recommended when they are at high risk for heart disease. This includes children whose families have a history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or are overweight. High-risk children should be screened first between the ages of 2 and 10. Children under 2 years of age are too young to take the test.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking a cholesterol and triglyceride test (lipid profile check)?

If you have diabetes and your blood sugar is out of control, your triglycerides may be very high. Triglycerides change drastically in response to food, increasing by 5 to 10 times higher than fasting levels just a few hours after eating. Even the triglyceride level while fasting is different every day. Therefore, changes in fasting triglyceride levels measured on different days were not considered abnormal. Certain drugs such as corticosteroids, HIV protease inhibitors, beta blockers, and estrogen can increase blood triglyceride levels.

There is increasing interest in measuring triglycerides in people who are not fasting. The reason is that the non-fasting sample may be more representative than the “usual” circulating triglyceride levels because on most days, blood lipid levels reflect more postmeal (post-prandial) levels than fasting levels. However, it is unclear how to interpret non-fasting levels to evaluate risk so, at this time, there is no change in recommendations for fasting before taking lipid levels.

Process

What should I do before undergoing a cholesterol and triglyceride test (lipid profile check)?

Preparation depends on the type of test you are taking. You may or may not need to fast first.

If your doctor tells you to fast before the test, do not eat and drink anything but mineral water for 9 to 12 hours before blood is drawn. Usually, you are allowed to take your medicine with water the morning before the test. Fasting is not always necessary, but it can be encouraged
do not eat high fat foods in the evening before the test
Do not drink alcohol or excess exercise prior to the test

Many drugs can affect the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor of any prescription / nonprescription drugs, herbs, or other supplements you are currently taking. Tell your doctor if you have had tests such as a thyroid or bone scan that use radioactive substances within 7 days.

Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the need for the test, the risks, the process, or the purpose of the test results.

How is the process of testing cholesterol and triglycerides (checking the lipid profile)?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
clean the area to be injected with alcohol
inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after having a cholesterol and triglyceride test (lipid profile check)?

An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm and will feel tight. You may not feel anything when you get the injection, or you may feel like you are stung or pinched. You can remove the tape and cotton about 20 to 30 minutes later. You will be notified of a schedule for your test results. Your doctor will explain your test results to you. You should follow your doctor's instructions.

If you have questions related to this test process, please consult your doctor for a better understanding.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Here are the basic categories of triglyceride level results in milligrams per deciliter:

fasting, normal: 150 mg / dL
at the high limit: 150 to 199 mg / dL
high: 200 to 499 mg / dL
very high:> 500 mg / dL

Hypertriglyceridemia is the medical term for an increase in triglycerides in the blood. The rate at which you fast can normally differ from day to day. Triglycerides will differ dramatically when you eat, and can be increased five to 10 times higher than when fasting.

When fasting but triglyceride levels are above 1000 mg / dL, there is a possible risk of developing pancreatitis. Medications to lower triglyceride levels should be started as soon as possible. When your triglyceride level is high, and your cholesterol is also high, this condition is called hyperlipidemia.