Lipid Profile, Complete

A Cholesterol - Total test measures the total amount of cholesterol (fats) in your blood. Cholesterol is mainly synthesized in the liver and partially in the intestines. It acts as a building block for cell membranes, is a precursor to vital hormones, and helps produce bile acids that help digest fats. Cholesterol is transported through the blood as lipoproteins: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). An optimal amount of these proteins is necessary for proper body functioning.

An Apolipoprotein - A1 test helps check the levels of Apolipoprotein A1 in your blood. Apolipoprotein A1 is the major protein for the high-density lipid (HDL), also known as “good” cholesterol and helps in its transport. Apo A1 helps the HDL to take up cholesterol from the tissues and is bound by receptors in the liver where the cholesterol is destroyed. Assessing the levels of Apolipoprotein A1 directly reflects the high-density lipoprotein levels. In this way, apolipoprotein A can help to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.

A Cholesterol - HDL test measures the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. HDL cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, as it helps transport excess low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver for excretion. This process prevents plaque buildup on the blood vessel walls, which can cause them to become narrow and less flexible. Higher HDL cholesterol levels are generally associated with a lower risk of heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. By measuring HDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies, including lifestyle modifications and medications.

A Triglycerides test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood and helps evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that your body uses as a source of energy. When you consume more calories than your body needs, the excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. High triglyceride levels can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other related conditions. 

A Cholesterol - LDL test measures the concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol plays an important role in your body. It carries cholesterol from your liver to other parts of the body where it's needed for things like building cell walls and making hormones. However, it is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because when present in excess in your blood, it can stick to your blood vessel walls leading to the formation of plaque, making them narrow and less flexible. When this happens, it's harder for the blood to flow, which can lead to heart problems, like heart attacks and strokes. By measuring LDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and can recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies.

An Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio test helps predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals at high risk, such as those who are obese, have a family history of heart disease, have high cholesterol, or have had similar health issues in the past. Apolipoprotein A1 is the primary protein associated with HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and its increased concentrations are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Apolipoprotein B is the primary protein associated with LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and other lipid molecules. An increase in LDL cholesterol is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio is a key marker of developing potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heart-related ailments. 

A Very Low Density Lipoprotein test measures the concentration of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol in the blood. VLDL cholesterol plays a vital role in the body's metabolic processes. It is produced by the liver and is used to transport triglycerides, a type of fat, from the liver to various tissues throughout the body, where they are either utilized for energy or stored for later use. Though VLDL cholesterol is essential for the body's normal functioning, it is harmful if present in excess amounts. By measuring VLDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies.

The Apolipoprotein B test is used to evaluate the level of Apolipoprotein B in your blood. It is a type of protein that aids in the transportation of fat and cholesterol throughout the body. Apo B serves as the primary protein component of lipoproteins such as very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and chylomicrons. It binds to LDL or “bad” cholesterol, causing plaque accumulation in the blood vessels. This can lead to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

A Non HDL Cholesterol test looks for the “bad” cholesterol particles that are likely to contribute to heart problems. These bad particles include LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and remnants of other cholesterol-carrying molecules. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in your bloodstream and is essential for various bodily functions. However, too much of “bad” types of cholesterol can build up in your arteries and increase the risk of heart conditions. LDL and VLDL cholesterol particles are often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol because they can stick to the walls of your arteries and form plaque, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow to your heart. By measuring non-HDL cholesterol, your doctor can assess your risk of heart disease and determine if any interventions or lifestyle changes are needed to protect your heart.

A Lipoprotein A test measures the amount of lipoprotein A (Lp-A) particles in your blood. Lipoprotein A is a mixture of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and a protein called apolipoprotein A. Lp-A levels are largely determined by genetics. Lp-A levels are not significantly affected by diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes, unlike other types of cholesterol. That is why testing for Lp-A is essential, particularly for individuals with a strong family history of cardiovascular (heart or blood vessel) disease. This test can help identify individuals who are at high risk, enabling early intervention to prevent future complications.