About lipids and blood fats
Lipids are the body's building blocks and play vital roles in various functions such as energy storage, insulation, and organ protection. Lipids consist of organic molecules of fats and fat-like substances such as oils, fats, phospholipids, and cholesterol.
Blood fats, also known as blood lipids, are specific lipid molecules circulating in the bloodstream. They primarily consist of triglycerides, HDL-, and LDL cholesterol. Triglycerides are a type of fat that is important for the body's energy reserve and various biological processes. HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are lipoproteins that transport lipids in the blood, used in cell membranes and the synthesis of hormones and vitamin D.
Types of lipids
Triglycerides:Triglycerides are a type of fat that makes up a significant portion of the body's fat stores and serves as a form of energy storage.
Cholesterol:Cholesterol is a lipid that is an essential component of cell membranes and is used by the body to produce hormones and vitamin D.
Types of blood fats
LDL cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein):LDL cholesterol is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol and is sometimes called "bad cholesterol." High levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
HDL cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein):HDL cholesterol is another type of lipoprotein that transports cholesterol from blood vessels to the liver for removal and is sometimes called "good cholesterol."
VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein):VLDL is another type of lipoprotein that carries triglycerides in the bloodstream. Elevated levels can increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
Apolipoprotein B (apoB):ApoB is a protein found on LDL particles and is used to measure the number of LDL particles. It is an important marker for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1):ApoA1 is a protein found on HDL particles and is essential for HDL to remove excess cholesterol from blood vessels.
So, triglycerides and cholesterol are examples of lipids found in the blood, while LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL, ApoB, and ApoA1 are examples of specific blood fats that transport these lipids and can be measured through blood tests to assess cardiovascular risk.High blood fats increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases
High blood fats increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases, so it is essential to be mindful of your diet. A balanced and healthy diet, along with awareness of fat intake, is crucial to reduce the risk of potential health issues related to high levels of blood fats. Excessive consumption of fatty foods increases the body's production of triglycerides and cholesterol, leading to plaque formation in the blood vessels, which, in turn, raises the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
Worried about high blood fats? Here's how you can check your levels
By measuring your lipids and blood fats, you can keep track of your values. In our Heart and Vascular Health Test, we measure all the markers and even your blood status and blood sugar levels. The test provides insight into your cardiovascular health and the potential to optimize your health as needed.
*At present, we are unable to offer VLDL analysis.
