I think most of us have had a LIPID panel done. This test usually includes ;
Total Cholesterol
Triglyceride
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Many of us are satisfied with a call from our doctors office reporting that " every thing looks OK " .
I would like to encourage you to not accept that answer and use a different approach.
#1 always ask for a copy of your lab. reports
#2 Know what the recommended goals are for each test
#3 Any test not at the recommended goal is a reason to make an appointment and discuss the result
with your doctor
#4 Read and learn as much as you can about the test in question before seeing your doctor. Your
doctor is a wonderful source of wisdom and understanding if you just ask for the help.
Lets take a closer look at your lipid panel.
Your total cholesterol is made up of components of each of the other test.
Total cholesterol = 1/5 of triglycerides + HDL + LDL
Triglycerides- triglycerides are often the sleeper with a major impact on our other test results
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is made in our liver and
LDL is produced in various sizes ,varying from small dense particles to larger fatter particles.
The size of the LDL particles changes with our triglyceride levels
High triglycerides are associated with an increase in small dense LDL particles and increased
risk of heart disease.
LDL cholesterol is usually not measured and instead is a calculated number.
for example:
LDL = Cholesterol - 1/5 of triglycerides - HDL
Changes in triglyceride levels have a major effect on your LDL test results
Higher triglycerides increase small dense LDL and lower appearing LDL results
Compare the LDL result by changing triglycerides from 150 mg/dl to 300 mg/dl
Total Cholesterol - 1/5 triglycerides - HDL = LDL Cholesterol
200mg/dl - 150/5 ( 30 ) - 40 = 130mg/dl
200 mg/dl - 300/5 (60) - 40 = 100 mg/dl
The decision to recommend a statin becomes a little more complex when elevated triglycerides are
included in the pictures. This is a common every day problem for people with type 2 diabetes.
The most common lipid profile for patients with Type 2 diabetes is a slight increase in total
cholesterol , LDL and triglycerides.
What about a Apo-b test. find out tomorrow.
Have fun Dr. Calder
This blog is great source for Medium Chain Triglycerides information which is very useful for me. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeletetriglycerides level
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