Lipid Profile and Lipoprotein(a) Testing

Background: The treatment of dyslipidemias plays a major role in the primary and secondary prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Proper evaluation of the patient's lipid status is very important for risk assessment and as a guide to treatment.

Methods: This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective search of the literature, including current guidelines.

Results: Measurement of the plasma concentration of Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, calculation of the non-HDL Cholesterol concentration, and-on a single occasion-determination of the lipoprotein (a) concentration enable the clinician to quantify the lipid-associated health risk and monitor the effects of treatment. These blood tests can be performed in a non-fasting state except in special situations (particularly, Hypertriglyceridemia). The HDL quotient is an obsolete measure. The main goal of treatment is to achieve an LDL-cholesterol level adequate to the patient's cardiovascular risk through lifestyle modification and, if necessary, medication. A high lipoprotein (a) concentration cannot be lowered with orally administered drugs; above all, patients should lower their LDL-cholesterol levels while minimizing all other risk factors.

Conclusion: Measurement of the concentration of Cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL- and LDL-cholesterol and calculation of the non-HDL-C suffice as a guide to lipid-lowering treatment. The primary therapeutic goal is to lower LDL Cholesterol.