General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels usually cause no symptoms. A lipid profile prescribed by the doctor can detect them even when you feel no discomfort.
The profile distinguishes total, LDL, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. LDL carries cholesterol towards cells; HDL returns excess cholesterol to the liver.
Recommended LDL and triglyceride levels depend on each person’s cardiovascular risk factors. Ask the doctor which goals apply to your circumstances.
To prepare for that discussion, mention known health conditions, smoking and a family history of early cardiovascular disease or abnormal blood lipids. These details are part of risk assessment.
Before a prescribed test, ask about preparation and mention your medicines: they can affect the results. Values can vary between laboratories; keep previous reports to help compare them.
After the test, ask what the results mean and when the next check should take place. Monitoring depends on the findings and can change after a cardiovascular event, a lifestyle change or treatment.
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