Q. What does a lipid profile test measure and what is considered a normal range?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
What does a lipid profile test measure and what is considered a normal range?
A lipid profile test is a simple blood test that checks the levels of different fats in your blood. These fats play a major role in your heart health. Keeping them within the normal range is important to prevent heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.
What a Lipid Profile Test Measures
-
Total Cholesterol
Measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, both good and bad. -
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – Bad Cholesterol
High levels can clog your arteries and increase heart disease risk. -
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – Good Cholesterol
Helps remove bad cholesterol from the body. Higher levels are better. -
Triglycerides
A type of fat stored in your body from food. High levels may lead to heart problems. -
VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) (sometimes included)
Carries triglycerides and contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.
Normal Range (Values may slightly vary by lab)
-
Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
-
LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
-
HDL Cholesterol: 40 mg/dL or higher (men), 50 mg/dL or higher (women)
-
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
Conclusion
Understanding your cholesterol numbers can help prevent future health risks. Regular testing and healthy lifestyle changes are key.
If you're asking, “What does a lipid profile test measure and what is considered a normal range?”, this guide gives you all the essential info.
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