#heart #bad cholesterol #good cholesterol+1

What Is a Lipid Profile Test?

October 28, 2025

2 min read

Why is it important to know the ratio of "bad" and "good" cholesterol in the body? What is the atherogenicity index? Can a blood test help predict a heart attack? The answer to all of these questions can be found in the lipid profile.

Key takeaways

Why is it important to know the ratio of "bad" and "good" cholesterol in the body?
Fats profiled
Other considerations

Who this is for

People exploring Cardiovascular health through heart, bad cholesterol.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Dr. Elizabeth

Endocrinologist

Fats profiled

The lipid profile is a screening blood test that helps diagnose atherosclerosis, a dangerous disease in which atherosclerotic plaques form in the lumen of blood vessels. This blocks blood flow and increases the risk of a heart attack. This test includes the following indicators:

Cholesterol is an important organic substance that is synthesized primarily by the liver and is in many foods. It is necessary for the formation of cell membranes of all organs and tissues of the body and it synthesizes bile acids, ensuring the absorption of nutrients from the intestine. Elevated cholesterol is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Normal level: 2.9–5.2 mmol/L. Optimal level: 3.23–3.77 mmol/l.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) eliminate excess free cholesterol that accumulates in peripheral cells. HDL prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels. Normal level: above 1.03 mmol/L. Optimal level: above 1.68 mmol/L.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are trapped in blood vessels and provoke the accumulation of cholesterol in tissues. They are often called "bad cholesterol." Total cholesterol consists of 60–70 % LDL. Elevated levels of low-density lipoproteins indicate the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Normal level: 0–3.3 mmol/l. Optimal level: 0–1.81 mmol/l

Remember that for expectant mothers the reference values may differ significantly. You can find detailed information about this by connecting the "Pregnancy" mode in the Ornament app.

Triglycerides are a compound of fatty acid esters and glycerol. They are the main source of energy for the body. Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood indicate a disorder of fat metabolism. Normal level: 0–2.25 mmol/l. Optimal level: 0–0.57 mmol/l.
The atherogenicity index shows the probability of developing a heart attack or stroke. Normally, it should not exceed 3.5 and is calculated by the following formula: (Total cholesterol — HDL)/HDL

The lipid profile should be diagnosed regularly in people with cardiovascular, endocrine, autoimmune inflammatory diseases, obesity, and chronic liver and kidney diseases.

Men after the age of 40 and women after menopause should take this test annually — even if there are no significant health problems — to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease and to extend youthfulness and health.

Other considerations

The analysis of the lipid profile is performed on an empty stomach. On the eve of the study, it is recommended to refrain from physical and psycho-emotional stress. Starting 12 hours before the analysis, refrain from smoking as well as coffee, sweet carbonated drinks, and alcohol.

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