• Published on: Sep 15, 2021
  • 4 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Does A Lipid Panel Test If The Lipid Profile Is High?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

What does a lipid panel test for & What happens if the lipid profile is high?

The lipid panel tests for the number of triglycerides, cholesterol, and HDLC in your bloodstream. Triglycerides are a form of fat produced by the liver during digestion. Cholesterol is a type of fat produced by each cell's mitochondria as part of metabolism and it can be found in your blood vessels too. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) removes fats from the walls of arteries and carries them to the liver where they become low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDLs carry cholesterol that cannot be used to make cells or hormones back into body cells to be recycled back into appropriate tissues such as skin or muscle.

The lipid panel is a list of tests used to determine levels of LDL, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. A blood sample is drawn from the patient to analyze three types of lipids that circulate through your veins: cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The test also measures triglycerides which are a type of fat in the body. There are various diseases that can indicate a potential for heart disease or diabetes by alternating these numbers--so it's important for patients with a family history or other risk factors like diabetes to monitor their numbers closely.

The lipid panel measures the levels of lipids in your body. The results can show if you have a problem with high cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) and what medications to use as well as diet adjustments to make to address those problems.

Too much fat in the blood, typically from a fatty acid metabolism disorder. This test measures how many triglycerides and cholesterols are in your bloodstream. The concentration of these molecules varies with a person's phenotype and lifestyle. How likely is it that you have too much fat in your bloodstream? That depends on what your doctor told you after they finished running this test!

A lipid profile test is a blood test that checks the levels of lipids, cholesterol, fatty acids, and triglycerides. As you might already know, high LDL-cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart disease. Fat concentrations are reported on a 'triglyceride' scale. So if your results come back with elevated fatty acid concentrations (and almost all patients who have metabolic syndrome do), then it points to an underlying problem with sugar regulation within the body -- either too much sugar or not enough insulin. Another point worth mentioning is that there are some mutations that make some people very sensitive to sugar accumulation! This is often referred to as Metabolic Syndrome.

Lipid panels is a measurement of triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Triglycerides - Your level of triglycerides will typically be higher if you've overeaten or drunk too much alcohol lately. High levels may also indicate diabetes or liver disease. The normal range is less than 95 mg/dL.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) - HDL particles help carry excess balls of fat from your bloodstream to your liver, where it can be broken down into components that your body can use for energy. Low levels may mean high levels of blood fats (hyperlipidemia), and high levels could mean high-risk factors for heart attacks and

Lipid panels test for cholesterol and triglycerides, which can help diagnose heart disease. The lipid panel (aka lipid blood test) is a series of three tests that measure the levels of fats in your bloodstream. It's done when you get routine blood work at any time during the year, or if you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol or coronary artery disease (CAD). The painless procedure requires only a prick of your finger and some blood wiped on an applicator stick. Your 3 lipids results are "total cholesterol," "high-density lipoprotein" -- HDL ("good") cholesterol," and "low-density lipoprotein" -- LDL("bad”) cholesterol.

The lipid panel includes a cholesterol test, triglyceride test, and LDL/HDL ratio calculation. A lipid panel is the most common blood test for cardiovascular risk. It can also identify diseases such as polymyalgia rheumatica, gout, fungal infections in the heart tissue, or endocarditis - which are all identifiable medical conditions that can lead to sudden death.

A lipid panel tests for cholesterol, triglyceride, particle count, and other samples.

  • The lipid panel will test for three things: Cholesterol level (total)
  • Triglycerides
  • High-density lipoproteins (HDL) Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) Low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

An optimal lipid panel in a normal patient is a total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg per deciliter combined with an LDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg per deciliter. In addition to the 3 measures mentioned above, there are many others including Apolipoprotein B or Lp(a), calculated remnant cholesterol, and phospholipid

Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein fractions. All of these are markers for cardiovascular disease risk due to how the levels can affect our coronary arteries. A healthy lipid panel has low LDL-C (bad) cholesterol and high HDL-C (good) cholesterol in each percent ratio. The ideal fat distribution is an even 25% in both categories or a 3:1 ratio with more good than bad fats overall for optimum heart health.

If your lipid profile is high, it means your blood contains too much cholesterol and triglycerides. This needs to be monitored because when the levels are high, there's a higher chance that you'll develop diseases like diabetes or heart disease.

A person can have an elevated cholesterol level for many reasons including unhealthy eating habits, family history of elevated cholesterol level, excessive alcohol usage, smoking cigarettes which can elevate one's LDL levels. An abnormal lipid profile may also result from any medications being taken to control obesity or psychiatric disorders, untreated thyroid gland disorder, or liver disease. A heredity condition called familial hypercholesterolemia may necessitate special monitoring in childhood through adulthood with dietician support and medication adjustments as necessary.

If lipids are abnormally high in your blood, it could signify anything from an infection to possible hepatitis. Doctors will typically conduct additional tests to distinguish what's happening or recommend treatments if necessary.

It is usually recommended to have your lipid profile checked annually. Your doctor will check the total amount of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood. Your physician may want you to have another test if LDL is greater than 130 mg/dL--or if your good cholesterol HDL is less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women--as you are at risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease.

If the lipid profile is high, that usually indicates overconsumption of fats or carbs. Many people treat themself to something "bad" when they're feeling down, but while this might temporarily help them feel better about life at the moment, it can worsen their depression in the long term. So if someone starts eating more fat and sugar when they're feeling depressed, then a blood test might end up revealing a high lipid profile. In general, there are two ways elevated lipids could happen: 1) Eating too much fat

2) overeating carbohydrates

There are several potential causes of high lipids, which would need to be diagnosed by a doctor. These can include hyperlipoproteinemia, homozygous familial hyperchylomicronemia, type 1 diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, and pancreatitis.

A lipid profile measures how much cholesterol is in the bloodstream. It measures total cholesterol levels; high-density lipoprotein (aka "good" cholesterol); low-density lipoprotein (aka "bad" cholesterol); and triglyceride levels. High serum lipid profiles could indicate various conditions like cardiovascular disease or chronic liver disease (i.e., viral hepatitis).

Read Blog
child diarrhea

Monsoon Health Guide: Child Diarrhea Causes, Fungal Infections After Rain & Tips to Keep Kids Safe

The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from the summer heat. Children love to splash in puddles, play in the rain, and enjoy the cool breeze. But along with the fun, the rainy season also invites many health problems—especially for kids. Two of the most common issues during this time are diarrhea and fungal infections. Knowing what causes them and how to prevent them can help you keep your child safe and healthy.

In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of child diarrhea, how fungal infections spread after rain, and the best monsoon health tips for kids.

 

Why Kids Fall Sick During Monsoons

Children have developing immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections during the rainy season. The damp, humid weather creates the perfect environment for bacteria, viruses, and fungi to grow.

Some key reasons children are more at risk:

  • Playing in dirty water

  • Eating outside food

  • Drinking contaminated water

  • Poor hand hygiene

  • Wearing wet or damp clothes for long periods
     

Let’s look at two of the biggest culprits: diarrhea and fungal infections.

 

Child Diarrhea: Causes and Risks

Diarrhea is one of the most common monsoon illnesses in children. It can range from mild to severe and may even lead to dehydration if not treated early.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Children:

  1. Contaminated Water: Rainwater can mix with sewage and enter drinking water systems. This can lead to infections like cholera and typhoid.
     

  2. Street Food or Unhygienic Snacks: Monsoon is not the time for roadside treats. The chances of food being exposed to flies or dirty water are high.
     

  3. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables: These may carry harmful bacteria or parasites.
     

  4. Poor Hand Hygiene: Kids often forget to wash their hands before eating or after using the bathroom.
     

  5. Rotavirus or Other Viral Infections: These can spread easily among children, especially in daycares or schools.
     

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Frequent loose or watery stools

  • Stomach cramps

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Fever

  • Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, reduced urination)
     

 

Fungal Infections After Rain: A Growing Problem

The warm and humid monsoon weather provides an ideal breeding ground for fungi. These infections usually affect the skin, scalp, feet, or groin area, especially in children who stay in wet clothes for too long.

Common Fungal Infections in Kids:

  1. Ringworm: A red, circular rash that may itch or burn.
     

  2. Athlete’s Foot: Red, itchy, cracked skin between the toes.
     

  3. Candidiasis: A fungal infection caused by yeast, usually in moist areas like the groin or underarms.
     

  4. Scalp Infections: Resulting in dandruff, itching, or even hair loss.
     

Risk Factors:

  • Walking barefoot in wet areas

  • Wearing unwashed or damp clothes

  • Sharing towels or combs

  • Not drying off properly after bathing
     

 

Monsoon Health Tips for Kids

Now that we know the dangers, let’s talk about prevention. These simple tips can go a long way in keeping your child healthy during the rainy season.

1. Ensure Clean Drinking Water

  • Always give your child boiled or filtered water.

  • Avoid giving untreated water, especially during travel or in school tiffins.
     

2. Watch Their Diet

  • Avoid raw or uncooked food.

  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

  • Say no to roadside snacks or sweets.
     

3. Promote Good Hygiene

  • Teach kids to wash hands regularly—especially before eating and after using the toilet.

  • Keep their nails trimmed to prevent the spread of germs.
     

4. Keep Clothes Dry and Clean

  • Make sure your child changes out of wet clothes immediately.

  • Dry clothes in the sun when possible to prevent fungal growth.

  • Use antifungal powders on sensitive areas if your child sweats a lot.
     

5. Footwear and Personal Items

  • Avoid walking barefoot in muddy or wet areas.

  • Ensure they wear clean, dry socks and shoes.

  • Don’t let children share combs, towels, or undergarments.
     

6. Strengthen Immunity

  • Include foods rich in vitamin C and zinc (like oranges, guava, nuts, and seeds).

  • Keep your child active and ensure they get enough sleep.
     

7. Schedule Preventive Check-Ups

  • A general health check-up before and during monsoon can help detect early signs of infections.

  • Look for monsoon-specific health packages like the Monsoon Gastro Infection Panel, which checks for common monsoon diseases in children.
     

 

When to Seek Medical Help

Don’t delay visiting a doctor if:

  • Your child has had diarrhea for more than 2 days

  • They show signs of dehydration

  • There are red, itchy patches on the skin

  • Fever lasts more than 2 days

  • You see pus, swelling, or severe itching in the groin, underarms, or feet
     

Early treatment can prevent complications and help your child recover quickly.

 

Suggested Medical Test: Monsoon Gastro Infection Panel

SecondMedic.com, powered by Thyrocare, offers a Monsoon Gastro Infection Panel perfect for early diagnosis of:

  • Typhoid

  • Dengue

  • Hepatitis A & E

  • Leptospirosis

  • Fungal markers

  • And more…
     

It includes 29 vital tests and comes with home sample collection and digital reports. Early detection saves time, money, and stress—especially for worried parents.

 

Conclusion

The rainy season may bring joy to kids, but it also brings many health challenges. As parents, it's our responsibility to stay one step ahead of these risks. By understanding child diarrhea causes, fungal infections after rain, and following monsoon health tips for kids, we can ensure our little ones enjoy the rains safely and stay strong throughout the season.

For expert advice and early diagnosis, explore our test packages and stay ahead of seasonal illnesses.

Don’t wait! Protect your child today by learning more about child diarrhea causes, fungal infections after rain, monsoon health tips for kids.

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic