The Lipid Profile: Basic Elements of Fat Metabolism

Fasting Lipid Profile

So far, we have talked about measurements of body weight, fat and composition and measurements of toxic glucose levels through fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c.  Now, we need some measurements of toxic fat levels.  Fat metabolism results in the storage of body fat, its use as fuel or its conversion to other necessary products in the body like cholesterol.  Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is related to fat and is closely involved in the development of heart disease.  Thus when certain kinds of cholesterol are elevated, they lead to toxicity and the development of heart disease.  Most doctors measure 3 specific fat particles when they are assessing fat and cholesteral.  They are the triglyceride level, the LDL level and the HDL level.  Then several of those measures are put together to measure the Total Cholesterol level.  These measurements are collectively called your lipid profile.  It is important to note that the lipid profile needs to be done fasting.  If you have eaten anything at all prior to the test, it is invalid and should be repeated before acting on the values.

The table below show normal and elevated values for all elements of the lipid profile.

Lipid Profile
Total Cholesterol	Normal: < 200 mg/dl	Borderline High: 200-239
		High: > 240
LDL Cholesterol	Optimal: < 100 mg/dl	Near Optimal: 100-129
		Borderline High: 130-159
		High: > 159
HDL Cholesterol	Men: > 40 mg/dl (Desirable > 60)	Men, at risk: < 40
	Women: > 50 mg/dl (Desirable> 60)	Women, at risk: < 50
Triglycerides	Normal: < 150 mg/dl	Borderline high: 150-199
		High: 199-499
		Very High: > 499

Collect your fasting lipid profile from a recent blood test.  Then record the values in your notes or field journal. Next to each value record whether is optimal, normal, high or very high.