Know your numbers

A lipogram is a blood test that measures the total cholesterol and its constituents: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol to HDL ratios.

LDL stands for low density lipoprotein and levels below 3.0 mmol/l are considered safe, for the general adult population. However, doctors may target lower levels based on certain risk factors or conditions. Diabetes, previous heart attack or strokes and kidney disease may warrant lower targets of control. Chronic low-grade inflammation can change the particle size of LDL and make it denser and more dangerous (atherogenic). So, both amount and size of the LDL particle may be important to consider.

HDL stands for high density lipoprotein and is considered the good cholesterol particle. Levels above 1.0 mmol/l for males and above 1.2 mmol/l for females are considered normal. Higher HDL levels are associated with better cardiovascular health. People with fatty liver, non-alcoholic steatosis hepatitis (NASH), metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease may have low HDL levels.

Triglycerides are lipids or fats that are found in certain food that we eat and is carried in the blood. Most of the fats we eat are in triglyceride form. However extra calories from alcohol and sugars (carbohydrates) that we consume can turn into triglycerides and are stored in fat cells.

Excessive alcohol, liver and kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, smoking, obesity, menopause, certain genetic traits, cortisone, beta blockers, certain HIV treatments and diuretics can elevate triglyceride levels. Levels below 1.7 mmol/l are considered safe. A level below 1.0 mmol/l may indicate a healthy diet.

This is a ratio that measures the amount of bad cholesterol vs good cholesterol. The higher the HDL level the better the ratio. A level below 4.0 is considered safe. The lower the ratio the better.