To detect an excess of cholesterol, it is necessary to carry out a blood test to evaluate the different levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. We help you decipher your results.
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What is a lipid exploration?
When a doctor writes on the prescription lipid exploration or exploration of lipid abnormalities, it means that the laboratory will measure the different elements related to cholesterol (“good”, called HD cholesterol, “bad” or LD cholesterol, total cholesterol ). Triglycerides are also measured.
The aspect of the serum (liquid constituting the blood, without the blood cells) is also evaluated. It is usually clear or limpid. If it is opalescent or lactescent, it indicates a high lipid content.
The lipid exploration is interesting because it helps to calculate the level of cardiovascular risk of a person. This level determines the risk of suffering from a disease such as stroke and heart attack. It depends on the presence of one or more cardiovascular risk factors: heredity, smoking, diabetes or an abnormality in lipid exploration. This risk is calculated using a computer tool.
Cholesterol levels: what are the standards?
Cholesterol is an essential lipid. In addition, the walls of the cells are formed partly of cholesterol. It is also one of the constituents of bile salts.
Cholesterol comes for a small part from food, the rest being produced by the body.
In the absence of cardiovascular risk factor, total cholesterol is supposed to be less than 2 gr/l (5mmol/l). LDL cholesterol must be less than 1.6 gr/l (4.1 mmol/l) and HDL cholesterol greater than 0.4 gr/l (1 mmol/l). The increase in cholesterol is called hypercholesterolemia.
These figures may vary according to the laboratories. If there is a known risk factor, such as smoking for example, it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol standards are then lower (to compensate for the presence of smoking).
Also Read: How Was Cholesterol Discovered?
What about triglycerides?
Triglycerides are used to store fatty acids, it is one of the body’s major energy reserves. They come from both food and the liver (for triglycerides called VLDL). Triglycerides are less than 1.5 gr/l (1.6 mmol/l). This is called triglyceridemia.
If it is associated with hypercholesterolemia, it is called dyslipidemia. In addition to increasing the cardiovascular risk, the level of triglycerides is very high, beyond 5 gr/l, this can lead to pancreatitis.
When should you have your lipids measured?
It is necessary to measure lipids from the age of 50 in men and from the age of 60 in women and the youngest who are on hormonal contraception.
The assessment is also indicated as soon as there is a cardiovascular risk factor, such as cardiovascular disease, smoking, overweight, diabetes or autoimmune disease.
The dosage must be renewed every 5 years if it is normal but more frequently depending on the abnormalities. It is recommended to do the blood test after 12 hours of fasting.
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