Lipid Test: What You Should Know

What Is a Lipid Test?

A lipid test is a simple blood test that measures a person’s cholesterol and triglycerides. It can help doctors identify abnormal levels of lipids, which are fats. This blood test can also identify genetic diseases and approximate your risks of developing cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. The results of a fatty acid profile can be analysed to help determine if you’re at an increased risk of developing certain diseases.

Three Types of Cholesterol

Through a lipid test, it will be able to identify three different types of cholesterol levels. It is beneficial to know which of these mean before you get your personal report.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein)

• HDL cholesterol is seen as ‘good’ cholesterol as our bodies need a certain amount to survive. This type of cholesterol has the job of carrying cholesterol to the liver to be disposed of.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein)

• LDL cholesterol is known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. This is because it transports to your heart’s arteries which can cause blockages. This may result in serious heart disease.

Triglycerides

• These are a different type of lipid compared to cholesterol. However, you will still be able to see your triglycerides levels through a blood test. Triglycerides are used to create energy in the body and stores calories that are not being used.

Why Would You Get a Lipid Test?

Taking a lipid test to find out your heart health and your cholesterol levels, is extremely beneficial to anyone regardless of their fitness level, age or family history. It allows you to understand exactly what kind of state your heart is in. If your results are a cause for concern and you have particularly high cholesterol levels, you can then maintain regular check-ups to keep on top of it, as well as, changing your lifestyle habits to benefit your heart.

How Can I Get a Lipid test?

Testing has now been made easier, with testing kits being sold online for anyone to purchase. There will be instructions/guidance on how to take the blood sample at home. After you have sent it to a lab to be examined, you will receive your results usually in 5 working days.

What Is the Importance of Checking Heart Health?

When your heart is suffering from poor health, it does not always make it obvious. High cholesterol has no symptoms and can only be identified through a blood test. Therefore, many people go years without knowing how poor their cholesterol levels really are, and may suffer from a heart attack, store, heart disease etc as a result.

Checking in on the health of your heart and where your HDL, LDL and triglycerides levels are at, can give you an idea of what you need to change in your life/daily habits as well as what you should continue to do if there is no cause for concern.