Laboratory tests

Lipid profile, or a cholesterol profile, is a group of blood tests are often ordered together to determine the risk of heart disease. We can draw your blood right on the first floor of the Heart and Vascular Center.

The lipid profile includes total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The results of the lipid profile are considered, along with other known risk factors of heart disease, to develop a treatment plan.

• Understanding Lipids Fact Sheet (pdf)

A lipid or cholesterol profile includes:

Total cholesterol

This test measures the amount of total cholesterol in your blood. It is used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease. It also can be used to monitor treatment for high cholesterol.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

This test measures the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood. LDL often is  called “bad” cholesterol because it causes hardening of arteries and  leads to heart disease. LDL cholesterol is the most important form of  cholesterol for determining risk of heart disease. Treatment decisions are based on LDL values.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

Test measures the amount of HDL cholesterol in your blood. HDL  cholesterol often is called “good” cholesterol because it removes excess  cholesterol from the blood. This test is used to determine your risk of  heart disease. It often is ordered with other tests, either with cholesterol  or as part of a lipid profile.

Triglyceride

Triglyceride is the scientific name for fat. Fat helps transport fat-soluble vitamins and provides essential fatty acids. It is found in your  body and in food. If you eat more calories than you need, your body makes a triglyceride, which is then deposited as fat in body tissues.  Elevated triglyceride is a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
 
 Facts about triglycerides (PDF)

Cholesterol and HDL ratio

This test measures the amount of total cholesterol and HDL in your blood.  The combination of total cholesterol and HDL is very useful for screening  for heart disease, since it is not necessary to fast for these two tests.

Other screening blood tests:

Hs-CRP (high sensitivity c reactive protein)
This test can measure a person's elevated risk for cardiovascular events. Unstable or “inflamed” plaque in artery walls can rupture and cause heart attacks. Along with cholesterol measurements, Hs-CRP can be an added tool in determining someone’s cardiac risk.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is found in blood. Some people do not metabolize this normally, so elevated levels show up in their blood and urine. People who have high levels of homocysteine may have higher rates of coronary artery disease or stroke, but there is no conclusive evidence at this time.

To help you keep track of your lab scores, we offer self-directed laboratory tests available without a physician’s order. Pathway Consumer Services is a convenient and confidential way to monitor your health. This service is not meant to take the place of regular medical care. Just call 952-993-6188 for more information or see what tests are available (pdf).