Lipid profile
Lipid Profile
A Lipid Profile (pronounced: lih-pid proh-file) is a group of tests that are often ordered together to determine risk of coronary heart disease. They are tests that have been shown to be good indicators of whether someone is likely to have a heart attack or stroke caused by blockage of blood vessels or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Etymology
The term "Lipid Profile" is derived from the word "lipid" which is a term used to refer to fats and fat-like substances that are found in the body and the word "profile" which refers to a set of characteristics or qualities that identify a type or category of something.
Tests Included in a Lipid Profile
A lipid profile typically includes:
- Total cholesterol - This test measures all of the cholesterol in all the lipoprotein particles.
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) - This measures the cholesterol in HDL particles; often called "good cholesterol" because it removes excess cholesterol and carries it to the liver for removal.
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) - This measures the cholesterol in LDL particles; often called "bad cholesterol" because it deposits excess cholesterol in walls of blood vessels, which can contribute to atherosclerosis.
- Triglycerides - This measures all the triglycerides in all the lipoprotein particles; most is in the very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).
Related Terms
- Cholesterol - A waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body.
- Triglycerides - A type of fat (lipid) found in your blood.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - Often referred to as "good cholesterol".
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Often referred to as "bad cholesterol".
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) - A type of lipoprotein made by the liver.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lipid profile
- Wikipedia's article - Lipid profile
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