25 December 2023

Lipid Profile

A cholesterol test is a health screening method to be aware of the risk of fat plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to various cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and stroke.

The purpose of this examination is recommended for individuals with the following conditions:

1. Having a family history of high cholesterol or having experienced a heart attack
2. Overweight (obesity)
3. Leading an unhealthy lifestyle, such as frequently consuming high-fat foods, smoking, consuming alcohol, and rarely exercising
4. Having a history of diabetes and hypertension
5. Men over 45 years old and women over 55 years old

A cholesterol check is done by examining and calculating the levels of four types of fats in the blood: LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

1. LDL Cholesterol
   LDL cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is the type of cholesterol that has the potential to cause plaque buildup in the arteries, which can trigger various cardiovascular diseases. The ideal LDL cholesterol test result is less than 150 mg/dL.
2. HDL Cholesterol
   HDL cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein) is the good cholesterol that helps remove LDL levels, thereby preventing plaque buildup in the arteries and improving blood flow. A person is at high risk of heart disease if their HDL level is less than 40 mg/dL.
3. Total Cholesterol
   To know the overall cholesterol level, which is the combination of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the blood. Ideally, the total cholesterol test result should not exceed 200 mg/dL. A person is considered to have high cholesterol and at risk of heart disease if their total cholesterol level is more than 240 mg/dL.
4. Triglycerides Examination
   Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that stores calories and provides energy to the body. A normal triglycerides test result is no more than 150 mg/dL. It should be noted that the lower the triglyceride levels in the blood, the lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Reviewed by : Dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source : Siloam Hospital Health Article

Photo : freepik.com