Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Profile)

Test description

A lipid profile is a basic test for assessing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. It includes total cholesterol, LDL fraction, HDL fraction, and triglycerides. Based on these, non-HDL cholesterol and ratio indicators are calculated, which describe the real threat better than individual values. LDL fraction transports cholesterol to tissues and, when in excess, accumulates in artery walls, forming atherosclerotic plaques that narrow the vessels. HDL acts conversely – it collects excess cholesterol and returns it to the liver, so higher concentrations are beneficial. Elevated triglycerides are most often associated with a diet rich in simple sugars and alcohol, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, and fatty liver. Very high values increase the risk of acute pancreatitis. Lipid disorders are asymptomatic and often present no symptoms for years – the first sign may only be a cardiovascular event. Therefore, a lipid profile should be repeated annually in adults, and more frequently with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, or a family history. The test is also the simplest way to objectively assess the effectiveness of diet, physical activity, and treatment.

Biomarkers measured