A lipid profile is a blood test that measures the fats in your blood: total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol and triglycerides. It shows your risk of heart disease and stroke. Adults should test at least every five years, and more often with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history.
What does the lipid profile measure?
Cholesterol and triglycerides are fats your body needs, but too much of the wrong kind builds up as plaque in your arteries. Over years this narrows blood vessels and raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Total cholesterol: All the cholesterol carried in your blood.
- LDL cholesterol: The main contributor to artery plaque. This is the number doctors most often treat.
- HDL cholesterol: Helps carry cholesterol away from arteries. Higher is generally better.
- Triglycerides: Fat from food and excess calories. High levels are common with diabetes, obesity, alcohol use and diets high in refined carbohydrates.
- VLDL and ratios: Many Indian lab reports also show VLDL and the total cholesterol/HDL ratio.
This matters particularly in India. South Asians tend to develop heart disease about a decade earlier than many other populations, often with lower HDL and higher triglycerides. Your doctor may set stricter targets than the general ranges below, especially if you have diabetes or existing heart disease.
Lipid profile normal range (adults)
Borderline high 200–239
High 240 and above
Near optimal 100–129
Borderline high 130–159
High 160–189
Very high 190 and above
60 and above is protective
Borderline high 150–199
High 200–499
Very high 500 and above
Where does your result fall?
Enter your LDL cholesterol value from your report.
A general guide, not a diagnosis. The reference range on your own report takes priority, and a doctor should interpret any result outside it.
Categories follow widely used adult guidelines (NCEP ATP III). Targets for people with diabetes or heart disease are usually lower and set by the doctor. Ranges vary between labs and methods. Always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report.
What abnormal results can mean
- High LDL or total cholesterol: Raised long-term risk of heart disease. Can be influenced by diet, genetics, an underactive thyroid or some medicines.
- Low HDL: Common in South Asians; linked to inactivity, smoking and high triglycerides.
- High triglycerides: Often linked to diabetes, excess weight, alcohol and sugary or refined-carb diets. Very high levels can also inflame the pancreas.
Your doctor reads these numbers together with your age, blood pressure, sugar levels and smoking status.
Who should get this test?
- All adults from age 20, at least every 4–6 years if results are normal.
- Yearly or more often if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, a smoking habit, or a parent or sibling with early heart disease.
- People on cholesterol medicines, to check the treatment is working.
- Preparation: Traditionally 9–12 hours of fasting (water is fine). Many labs now accept non-fasting samples for routine screening, but triglycerides read higher after a meal, so follow the instructions you receive when booking.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always interpret your results with a qualified doctor.