Lipids

Neha Verma, M.D., Joshua J. Joseph, M.D. , Simeon Margolis, M.D.

DESCRIPTION

  • Standard lipid profile includes total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and non-HDL cholesterol.
  • Apolipoproteins and lipoprotein lipase activity can also be measured but are not recommend as part of standard analysis.
  • Chylomicrons carry fat absorbed from the intestine.
  • High LDL-C ("bad cholesterol”) is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Low HDL-C ("good cholesterol) is also a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • ApoB and Non-HDL-C (which includes LDL-C + Very LDL-C) are superior to LDL-C in quantifying atherosclerotic burden in patients with diabetes and/or hypertriglyceridemia. [3]
  • High TG are also associated with cardiovascular disease although less strongly than high LDL-C, low HDL-C and non-HDL-C.
  • Severe hypertriglyceridemia can also lead to pancreatitis in some individuals.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.

Last updated: October 10, 2021