Lipid is a word that describes a type of molecule that is essential for the proper functioning of many biological processes. For starters, lipids are a type of fat. They are also insoluble in water, which means they do not mix well with blood. Because of this, lipids must be transported through the body by special proteins called lipoproteins.
There are several different types of lipids, but the most important for understanding your cholesterol levels are triglycerides and cholesterol. Triglycerides are the main type of fat found in food and are also stored in your body for energy. Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is essential for many biological processes, but too much can be harmful to your health.
Your doctor can order a lipid profile test to measure the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood. This test is used to help assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. The results of this test can help your doctor determine if you need to make changes to your diet or lifestyle.
With that being said, the following will discuss what the lipid profile test is, how it works, and what your results may mean.