Total Lipids, Serum

Total lipids test is basically done to assess the status of the blood vessels of the heart and the risk of cardiac diseases. Test measures lipid in the blood to assess patients risk to an cardiovascular event. They are useful to know the status of the blood vessels and the risk of cardiac diseases, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases.

The test measures the total lipid levels in the blood.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

Maintaining lipid levels within the desirable ranges helps lower risk of heart attacks and stroke. High lipid levels lead to risk of atherosclerosis and clogging of blood vessels, impairing the blood flow to the heart and other vital organs. High lipid levels may lead to lipid disorders and hyperlipidaemia.

If your results are present, it means that your total lipid levels are within the normal range. If they're absent, it means that your levels are too high and you may need to take steps to reduce them.


 

• Total lipids are a measure of all the fats and oils in your blood. This includes cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fatty acids.

• High total lipid levels can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. That's why it's important to get your levels checked and keep them under control.

Other tests that are often ordered along with total lipids, serum test include:

• -A test for levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called "bad" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is considered a major risk factor for heart disease.
• -A test for high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the so-called "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is thought to protect against heart disease.
• -A test for triglycerides. This is another type of fat in the blood. High triglyceride levels are also considered a risk factor for heart disease.

Your doctor will likely recommend that you get your total lipid levels checked at least once every 5 years starting at age 20. If you have certain risk factors for heart disease, you may need to get them checked more often.

 

Eat a healthy diet. Exercise regularly. This can help to lower your total lipid levels. You may also need to take medication prescribed by your doctor.

 

Before getting your total lipid, serum test done, you should fast for 8-12 hours before the test. You should also avoid taking any medications that can affect your total lipid levels.


 

Hyperlipidemia is a condition where the total lipid levels in your blood are higher than normal. It increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.


 

Total lipids are a measure of all the fats and oils in your blood. This includes cholesterol. Cholesterol is just one component of total lipids.

The total lipids serum test is a blood test. It measures the amount of fat in your blood. This includes triglycerides, cholesterol, and other fats. The test is used to help diagnose conditions that can cause high levels of fat in the blood, such as diabetes and obesity. It can also be used to monitor treatment for these conditions.