Lipid profile dietary advice

Dietary advice related to lipid profile?
(November 17, 2010)

Lipid profile Chart

A lipid profile, also known as a cholesterol lipid profile, can be described as an entire group of tests, which are conducted together, to check for the risks of any coronary heart diseases in a person. These tests are conducted mainly to check the levels of cholesterol as well as triglycerides in a person’s bloodstream. This group of tests can also provide accurate information on the levels of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol that are present in a person’s system. The lipid profile is generally ordered by doctors, in case they suspect that a person is at a high risk for a stroke or a heart attack, due to the hardening of the arteries, or the blockage of blood vessels.

A normal lipid profile generally includes tests like:

• The total cholesterol
• High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)
• Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
• Triglycerides lipid

At times an extended profile could also include:

• Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C)
• Non HDL-C

In some cases, the report for a cholesterol lipid profile could also include additional calculated values like Cholesterol/ HDL ratio or perhaps a risk score, which is based on the results of the lipid profile, as well as the person’s age, gender and other such factors.


In order to analyze or understand the readings of a lipid profile, a doctor needs to be consulted.

In order to prepare for a lipid profile fasting for a period of around 9 to 12 hours is required, before the blood is drawn. The patient undergoing the test can only drink water, before taking the test. In order to conduct the test, a medical caregiver will draw blood, by inserting a needle into a vein of the arm. At times, a drop of blood can also be collected, by puncturing the skin on the tip of the index finger.  The readings or the results of a lipid profile are used by a health care provider, in order to determine if the patient is at the borderline or is at a high risk. This will also enable the doctor to gauge which treatment options are the best for a patient.

Most healthy people above the age of 35 should go in for a lipid profile with fasting at least once every five years. However, people who are at high risk are generally advised to take a lipid profile test more often and from time to time so that the doctor can monitor the effectiveness of the medicines and treatment, with the help of the results. Children and adolescents are generally considered at a low risk for coronary problems, which is why a routine cholesterol lipid test is not ordered for them. Unfortunately, there are some teenagers as well as children who are at a risk of developing heart problems as they grow older, because of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension or perhaps due to a family history of heart diseases. Such children are usually required to have their first lipid profile test, between the ages of 2 and 10.

Apart from medication, most doctors recommend following a healthy diet and getting adequate exercise, for ensuring the best results from such tests.

Diet for Lipid Profile

Do you mean diet for high lipid levels? Vegetables and fruits are the best part of any diet, especially for high cholesterol. This is due to the fact, that they contain phyto nutrients and antioxidants. These essential compounds decrease the incidence of atherosclerotic plaques and other complications. They also provide fibre, which helps in reducing cholesterol levels.

Oat meal and bran is useful in curtailing the bad cholesterol or LDL (low density lipoproteins) cholesterol. Omega 3 fatty acids in fish increase the HDL or good cholesterol and reduce the bad cholesterol or LDL. Nuts are calorie dense and healthy. They possess anti nutrients like selenium and vitamin E, phyto nutrients and fibre. They are not only rich in mono unsaturated fats and plant sterols, but also calorie dense.

Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, cereals and pulses are also effective in decreasing increased cholesterol levels. Alcohol and smoking are better avoided. Sodium is restricted, as high blood pressure is always seen to be an accompaniment of high lipid profile. Processed foods, fried foods and tined or canned vegetables are completely abstained from.