A Lipid Profile gives a total cholesterol level, as well as quantities of LDL and HDL cholesterol (The good and the bad!). It will also give a triglyceride level and calculate the ratio between HDL and Total which is a good marker of cardiac risk. What included in this Lipid Profile? Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol:HDL RatioCholesterol, total Cholesterol is a form of fat (lipid) bound to protein known as a lipoprotein, it is an essential component of all cell membranes (boundaries) - but an excess of it is linked to an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease. The total figure is useful, but it is more helpful to know the levels of the two parts which make up the bulk of the cholesterol molecule - HDL and LDL - and to calculate the ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL.HDL Cholesterol HDL (high density lipoprotein) is the component of cholesterol that is associated with good health, and high levels within a health screen are linked to reduced risk of heart and blood vessel disease.LDL Cholesterol LDL (low density lipoprotein) is the component of cholesterol that is associated with higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease. The ideal level is below 2.5 mmol/L Triglycerides Triglycerides are a category of fat found in the blood. Triglycerides effectively store energy for later use by the body. High triglyceride levels within a health screening are associated with pancreatitis, and possibly heart disease and strokes. Some medication can cause the level to rise, as can poorly controlled diabetes.
