Overview
Dietary lipids are transported inside the body through lipoproteins after getting absorbed by the intestines. Absorbed lipids are utilized for the production of energy, bile formation, or steroid formation. Lipids are insoluble in water and are carried in the blood circulation via carrier proteins called Apo proteins. A high level of lipids in the blood is known as hyperlipidemia.
The lab diagnosis is based on measuring lipids levels in the blood. Various lipoproteins are measured using any clinical chemistry analyzer.
Causes:
- The primary causes are genetic or familial.
- The acquired causes are as follows:
- A high-fat diet with excess saturated and trans fat
- Underlying health conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, underactive thyroid, etc.,
- lifestyle choices like an unbalanced diet, insufficient exercise, smoking, obesity and heavy alcohol use.
- Some medications
Lipoproteins:- What are VLDL, LDL, and HDL?
Major fractions of Lipoproteins tested in the blood lipid profile are Cholesterol, Triglycerides, VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein – protective or good cholesterol)
Many studies have demonstrated the harmful effects of a diet containing larger quantities of saturated fats and trans fats that raise the level of blood cholesterol.
The incidences and complications of Atherosclerosis increase with elevated blood lipid levels in an individual. The total cholesterol concentration reflects the total lipoproteins in the blood.
LDL is the richest in cholesterol and has the maximum association with Atherosclerosis compared to other lipoproteins.
Atherosclerosis is characterized by localized fibrous thickening of the arterial wall associated with lipid infiltrated plaques which may eventually calcify. Breaking or rupture of the old plaques initiates the formation of thrombi (blood clots) which eventually obstructs the blood flow.
Obstruction of blood flow leads to common but severe life-threatening diseases of the heart (Myocardial Infarction, Ischemic Heart Disease) and brain (Stroke). It also results in abnormalities of renal blood circulation, insufficiency of blood flow towards the limbs, and dilations of the large arteries.
Knowing the numbers of one’s lipid levels, healthy diet, exercise, and keeping an eye on body weight shall prevent hyperlipidemia.
Diagnosis:
Doctors will use the lipid panel to diagnose hyperlipidemia.
*Serum Quantification of Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL.
*Biochemistry analyzers are used to measure the lipids level in the blood. Fully Automated Biochemistry analyzers are reliable with the advantages such as “ease of use”, accuracy and reproducibility.
Everlife CPC offers identi clinical chemistry lipid profile for the quantification of lipids. The ready-to-use, good end color stable reagents are compatible with any Biochemistry analyzer.