Have you ever had your healthcare provider order a lipid panel? You may wonder what the lipid panel tells medical professionals, how the results can be used to determine health trends, and what you can do to help improve your health based on the lipid panel results.
What is a lipid panel?
A lipid panel is a set of tests done on blood samples that include different types of fat in your body. The blood sample is usually taken after you’ve fasted for at least eight hours, so the test results are not influenced by your most recent meal or snack.
A lipid panel tests for different types of fat: these include high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol. The levels of these substances in your blood can help predict your risk of future cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke.
What are cholesterol and triglycerides?
Cholesterol is a fat-like molecule, made primarily in the liver, that is essential for life. Cholesterol is found in our cell membranes and is a foundation for hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Cholesterol is also used to make bile to digest fats in your body. You need cholesterol to live, but too much cholesterol is not healthy.
HDL is also known as the “good” cholesterol that can help protect against plaque build up in the arteries. LDL, on the other hand, is known as the “bad” cholesterol that can build plaque in the arteries.
Triglycerides are another type of fat that can serve as the body’s fuel. It helps you store energy to use later. This type of fat is also unhealthy in excess because it can contribute to heart disease and cause pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Measuring cholesterol and triglycerides in the body through a blood sample can give you an idea of how your levels of these fats will impact your health.
What are normal values of HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides?
The numbers can vary based on age. It is recommended that universal screenings occur between the ages of nine and 11, and again between 17 and 21, or earlier if there is a family history of high cholesterol or early cardiovascular events. Adults are recommended to start screening after age 20, and repeat every four to six years if the panel is normal, or more frequently if the values are not within normal ranges, or if there are other health risks, such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, or kidney disease.
Normal values for lipid panels are:
- Total Cholesterol (a combination of HDL and LDL): under 170 mg/dL in children or under 200 mg/dL in adults
- LDL-C (bad cholesterol): under 110 mg/dL in adults, under 100 mg/dL in children
- HDL-C (good cholesterol): over 45 mg/dL in children, over 60 mg/dL in adults
- Triglycerides: under 90 mg/dL in children and under 150 mg/dL in adults
What can I do if my cholesterol or triglycerides are high?
There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your bad cholesterol or triglycerides.
To lower LDL values
Make sure you’re moving enough—aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day of cardiovascular exercise (speed walking, jogging, swimming, high-intensity interval training, etc). Decrease your intake of bad fats (saturated or trans fats). These fats are commonly found in fried foods such as French fries or some donuts, coconut oil, red meats such as beef or pork, whole milk, pizza, etc. Eating more fiber can help lower your LDL—try to incorporate oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread or wraps, beans, broccoli, spinach, green peas, berries, chia seeds, flaxseed, almonds, or high fiber cereals.
To lower triglycerides
Again, aim to get 30 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day. Decrease your intake of simple carbohydrates and sugars, such as white bread or rice, regular pasta, candy, or sugary drinks such as soda or juice. Increase your intake of Omega-3 with dietary fish or fish oil pills or add foods such as flaxseed or chia seeds for an Omega-3 boost. Reduce your portions of carbohydrate-heavy food and replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, or fish. Finally, increase your fiber intake and limit alcohol.
What can I do to raise my HDL numbers?
On the other hand, if your HDL numbers are lower, here are some steps you can take to increase your HDL.
Exercise for 30 to 60 minutes a day or 150 minutes each week. Look to increase your intake of healthy fats, such as olive oils, avocados, nuts (especially almonds, pistachios, and walnuts), and fish (specifically heart-healthy fish such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines). Supplement your diet with Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, and if you smoke or drink alcohol, stopping smoking and limiting or cutting out alcohol can increase HDL.
What if lifestyle modifications don’t improve my lipid numbers?
If improvements in nutrition and exercise do not significantly improve your cholesterol levels, discuss your cholesterol with your healthcare provider. They may prescribe medications to help improve cholesterol levels, depending on your current levels and any additional risk factors.
If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with a high risk of heart disease, talk to your pediatric care provider about the Preventive Cardiology Clinic at the Pediatric Heart Center. Visit us online or call 401-444-4612 to learn more.
If you are an adult concerned about heart disease talk with your primary care provider or contact the Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute.
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