See why you need to go for a Lipid profile test (cholesterol test) – including cost
This article was inspired by Nigerian doctor @aproko_doctor who shared the the high fatty content of a patient’s blood sample and admonished his followers on Twitter on the need for routine medical check up and healthy lifestyle.
He wrote:
“Whether you believe it or not, this is blood collected from a patient.
The upper part is lipids(fat), this person had very high levels of fat in their blood including cholesterol Some people inherit this kind of condition, others get it because of their lifestyle.
The condition is known as hyperlipidemia and is treatable.
There are foods that contain high amounts of cholesterol and fat that can contribute to this condition.
They include:
Ice cream
Cheese
Fried foods
Ice cream
Processed foods
Red meat
Cakes, etc
When last did you go for a medical check up?
You should check your lipid levels, talk to your doctor about it. It’s not something you can tell you have or see the symptoms until it has caused a problem. The only way to know is to check.
What can you do?
Eat food low in fat
Take lots of fibre: oats, beans, etc Include fish in your diet
Exercise often.
Lose the extra weight.”
More information on blood cholesterol test called lipid profile.
Other names: Coronary Risk Panel, Lipid Profile, Fasting Lipid Panel, Non-fasting Lipid Panel, Cholesterol Panel, Lipid Test
What does it mean?
According to Wikipedia, Lipid profileorlipid panelis a panel of blood tests that serves as an initial screening tool for abnormalities in lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. The results of this test can identify certain genetic diseases and can determine approximate risks for cardiovascular disease, certain forms of pancreatitis, and other diseases.
Cost of lipid profile in Nigeria
It is not expensive. With between #3, 000 – #5,000, you can do your lipid profile test in any standard laboratory in Nigeria.
Where can you do it?
Go to any standard lab across Nigeria and you will have it done.
How is it done?
It is a blood test. Blood sample will be taken from your vein and analysed. Normally it is done very early in the morning when you have not eaten. It is actually called fasting serum lipid profile (FSLP). When you are going for cholesterol test, stop eating at 8pm and ensure you have done the test latest 9am the following morning. Results will be within 48 hours.
Components of lipid profile
The test does not only test for cholesterol, but also other lipid parameters as listed below..
The lipid profile typically includes:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- Triglycerides
- Total cholesterol
What does it assess?
The test checks your risk of coming down with heart diseases, atherosclerosis, stroke and inherited lipid disorder called dyslipidemia.
Credit: Wikipedia
