How is your cholesterol level? Let's learn about the Lipid Profile test

We've all heard the word 'cholesterol', right? Some people are a little afraid of this word. We often hear people say, "Oh, my cholesterol is a little high," and we ask them worriedly. What exactly is cholesterol? Is it good or bad for our bodies? Today, we'll talk very simply, as if we were talking to a friend, about the blood test called the 'Lipid Profile', which is done to accurately monitor these levels.

Good, bad and other types of fats in cholesterol

Simply put, cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential for our bodies. It helps to make the outer coating of every cell in our body. However, doctors have long known that people with high levels of total cholesterol are at a higher risk of developing heart disease.

This article specifically discusses two types of cholesterol: "good" and "bad" cholesterol.

1. "Bad" cholesterol - LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): This is the problem. Like rust forming inside an old water pipe, this LDL cholesterol sticks to the walls of our blood vessels. Over time, these build up and narrow the blood vessels. We call this condition atherosclerosis . When the vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrowed in this way, a blood clot can suddenly form and cause a heart attack .

2. "Good" cholesterol - HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): This is our hero. What HDL does is pick up the bad cholesterol (LDL) that has built up in the blood vessels and take it to the liver to be destroyed. So, the higher the HDL level in the body, the better for us.

3. Triglycerides: This is another type of fat that is measured along with cholesterol. High triglyceride levels also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke . This risk is especially high if you have low levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Also, high triglycerides can contribute to the development of diabetes.

How is the Lipid Profile test done?

The simple blood test that measures the different types of fats in your blood is called a lipid profile or lipid panel.

Your doctor will usually ask you to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test. This is because fats from recent meals can affect the results. However, fasting is not always necessary. Sometimes, if you are young or your doctor does not want to do a complete lipid profile, fasting is not necessary.

Therefore, the best advice on this is to consult your doctor. Be sure to ask him or her whether you need to fast before the test.

What do the numbers on your report mean?

Let's take a look at what the numbers on the report you receive after the test say. These values ​​are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

But these numbers are not the same for everyone. Your doctor will determine what goals are right for you based on factors like whether you have other conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and whether anyone in your family has heart disease. For example, someone at high risk for heart disease may be advised to keep their LDL level below 100, perhaps even below 70.

If cholesterol levels are out of whack, what do we do?

Let's say the values ​​in your report are a little out of whack. Don't worry. There are many things we can do.

First, you need to start with lifestyle changes.

A diet that lowers good cholesterol can reduce "bad" cholesterol (LDL) by about 30%.

• Reduce saturated fat: Control fatty foods like meat, butter, cheese, and coconut oil.
• Cut out trans fats completely: Look for "partially hydrogenated oils" on the label of packaged foods. These are trans fats. They are very unhealthy.
• Eat more fiber and plant sterols: Include things like fruits, vegetables, oats, and whole grains in your diet.
• Exercise: Daily exercise like walking, running, and cycling reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
• If you smoke, quit today: Smoking lowers HDL levels and damages blood vessels.

Medications also help.

Sometimes it can be difficult to control your cholesterol levels with lifestyle changes alone. In such cases, your doctor will prescribe appropriate medications.

• Statins: These are the most commonly used and most effective type of medication. They work by stopping the liver from producing cholesterol.
• Fibrates: These help lower triglyceride levels and increase HDL levels.
• Other medications: In addition to these, there are other medications such as Ezetimibe, Niacin, and PCSK9 inhibitors. Your doctor will decide which medication is best for you based on your condition.

Does cholesterol alone determine risk?

No. Your cholesterol report is not a document that will determine your future. Remember, other things besides cholesterol affect your risk of heart disease. Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, and genetic influences are among the main ones.

Therefore, your doctor will consider all of this and assess your overall risk.

It is generally recommended to have this test at least once every 5 years. However, if your report values ​​are not at a good level, or if you have other risk factors, it is very important to get tested more often, as recommended by your doctor.