AN OVERVIEW
About lipid profile (extended) test
Why is the lipid profile (extended) test done?
A lipid profile (extended) test is done:
- For examining lipoprotein (a) and apolipoproteins A1 & B levels
- For examining cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood
- To check the risk for developing cardiovascular disease
- To track the progress of the treatment being given for lowering lipid levels
- To check the efficacy of the prescribed drugs being consumed
- To check dyslipidemia
What does the lipid profile (extended) test measure?
There are different types of fats present in the blood that are measured in a lipid profile (extended) test:
- Triglycerides: Unwanted calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Good cholesterol responsible for eliminating bad cholesterol.
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Bad cholesterol that gets settled in the arteries and can cause strokes and heart attacks.
- Total Cholesterol: Includes both good and bad cholesterol present in the blood.
- Lipoproteins (a): A bad cholesterol.
- Apolipoproteins (A1 and B): The former is a component of HDL, while the latter is a component of LDL.
- Apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio: The balance between good and bad cholesterol.
Risks/side effects of lipid profile (extended) test:
There are no side effects associated with the lipid profile (extended) test. However, you may feel a slight pain in the area from where the blood would be withdrawn. This can last for a few days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
When is the lipid profile (extended) test performed?
You can go for the lipid profile (extended) test if you develop the following symptoms:
- Hypertension
- Increased blood pressure
- Frequent pain in the chest
- Pain in upper back
- Frequent heartburn or indigestion
- Problems in breathing
- Pain in jaw and teeth
- Headache
If you are in the recovery process after suffering a heart attack or are a regular smoker or drinker, you can also go for the lipid profile (extended) test.
How to prepare for the lipid profile (extended) test?
Do not consume anything (except water) for twelve hours before going for a lipid profile (extended) test. Do inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking, since he/she can advise you to stop their intake for a few days before your lipid profile (extended) test. The reason for the same is that some medications can cause your cholesterol levels to rise and therefore, affect your lipid profile (extended) test results.
How is the lipid profile (extended) test performed?
The lipid profile (extended) test involves taking a blood sample from a vein located in your arm. A syringe is used for the same. The area from where the blood would be taken would first be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Once the blood sample has been collected, it will be sent to the laboratory.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the lipid profile (extended) test results
The reference range for lipoproteins (a), apolipoprotein (A1 and B), and Apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio is given below:
Males
Age | Apolipoprotein A (mg/dL) | Apolipoprotein B (mg/dL) | Apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio |
<24 months | Not established | Not established | Not established |
2-17 years | Low: <115 Borderline low: 115-120 Acceptable: >120 | Acceptable: <90 Borderline high: 90-109 High: > or =110 | <0.8 |
>18 years | > or =120 | Desirable: <90 Above Desirable: 90-99 Borderline high: 100-119 High: 120-139 Very high: > or =140 | Lower Risk: <0.7 Average Risk: 0.7-0.9 Higher Risk: >0.9 |
Females
Age | Apolipoprotein A (mg/dL) | Apolipoprotein B (mg/dL) | Apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio |
<24 months | Not established | Not established | Not established |
2-17 years | Low: <115 Borderline low: 115-120 Acceptable: >120 | Acceptable: <90 Borderline high: 90-109 High: > or =110 | <0.8 |
>18 years | > or =140 | Desirable: <90 Above Desirable: 90-99 Borderline high: 100-119 High: 120-139 Very high: > or =140 | Lower Risk: <0.6 Average Risk: 0.6-0.8 Higher Risk: >0.8 |
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The table below highlights the normal ranges of cholesterol and other fats present in the blood for an adult (18+ yrs):
Name | Normal range |
Total Cholesterol | Less than 200 mg/dL |
LDL | 70 130 mg/dL |
HDL | 45 60 mg/dL |
Triglycerides | 10 150 mg/dL |
Non-HDL | Less than 130 mg/dL |
Cholesterol/HDL | 4.0 |
If your cholesterol levels are present in abnormal ranges, you may be asked to go for other tests to check for the causes. Lower amounts of LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides are good for the body. On the other hand, increased levels of HDL are seen as valuable for the body.
Lipid Profile (Extended) Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 500*
A lipid profile (extended) test is used for examining lipoprotein (a) and apolipoproteins A1 & B levels to assess the risks of getting heart strokes and developing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and peripheral artery diseases. Lipoproteins are fats and proteins responsible for the transportation of cholesterol in the blood. Apolipoproteins, on the other hand, bind to lipids and form lipoproteins. The test also checks other components included in the lipid profile test, such as cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and cholesterol ratio in the blood.
Read further to know more about the lipid profile extended test in Chandigarh, including its price and cost, procedure, side effects, test results, etc.