Lipidogram

A lipidogram, also called a lipid profile, is a blood test used to measure the concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood to assess the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It typically reports total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs); often non-HDL cholesterol and sometimes apolipoproteins such as apoB and apoA1 or lipoprotein(a) are included.

Samples are usually drawn after fasting for 8-12 hours, although non-fasting testing is increasingly acceptable for routine screening. LDL-C is commonly estimated by the Friedewald equation when TGs are below about 400 mg/dL (4.5 mmol/L): LDL-C = total cholesterol − HDL-C − TG/5 (mg/dL). Direct assays are used when TG are high or in non-fasting samples. Results may be reported in mg/dL (USA) or mmol/L (many countries).

Interpretation and usage: LDL-C is the primary target for reducing atherogenic risk; high LDL-C or total cholesterol indicates elevated risk, while low HDL-C and high TGs are also associated with increased risk. Non-HDL-C is a useful surrogate for all atherogenic lipoproteins. These results guide decisions about lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy, such as statins, fibrates, or other lipid-lowering agents. Guidelines may specify frequency of testing and target levels based on age, sex, and overall cardiovascular risk.

Limitations: values can be influenced by acute illness, obesity, alcohol intake, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, pregnancy, and certain medications. Additional markers like Lp(a) or apoB may be measured in selected patients to refine risk assessment.